The exercise is also on the backdrop of concerns in Seoul, with the Trump administration calling for higher payments for the US military presence in South Korea, and perhaps it could move to reduce it as Washington is focusing more on China, ABC News reported.
Following another drill in March, the second of two large-scale exercises held annually in Korea, Ulchi Freedom Shield usually involves thousands of troops combining computer-simulated command post training and field exercises.
The exercises from August 18-28 could trigger an angry response from North Korea. This calls for a joint drill invasion rehearsal as an excuse to dial military demonstrations and weapons tests aimed at advancing the nuclear program.
North Korea has repeatedly rejected Washington and Seoul’s call to double its nuclear ambitions and resume diplomacy aimed at introducing an arms programme that derailed in 2019. The North has made Russia a foreign policy priority, sending thousands of troops and a large amount of military equipment to support the Muskou war.
MA/PR