politics
In cutting joint drills, Trump has given South Korea’s president what he wants. So why does Seoul look so uneasy?
President Lee Jae Myung has long pushed for stronger homegrown defences, yet Donald Trump’s move has sparked alarm in some quarters
TL;DR
- President Trump cut joint military exercises with South Korea, a move that aligns with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's goals for stronger homegrown defenses and dialogue with Pyongyang.
- The decision, delivered unilaterally by Trump via social media, has inverted South Korea's usual political divisions, with the conservative opposition calling it a 'security disaster' and progressive papers expressing concern over the delivery method.
- The move has sparked alarm in Seoul over the weakening of deterrence and raised doubts about Washington's commitment to its allies, potentially straining the US-South Korea alliance.
- Concerns exist that the decision could increase support for an independent South Korean nuclear deterrent and signals a transactional approach to alliances by the US.
- North Korea is expected to welcome any friction within the alliance, though improved relations with Washington may not be a priority given support from China and Russia.