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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for expanded military investments Tuesday, responding to President Donald Trump’s directive to reduce American participation in joint defense drills with Seoul. The announcement followed Trump’s weekend declaration that War Secretary Pete Hegseth would “substantially reduce” U.S. involvement in the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which commenced Monday.
During a cabinet meeting, Lee characterized the joint drills as purely defensive in nature and stressed that military strength reinforces alliance partnerships. He argued that bolstering South Korea’s independent defense capabilities would enhance the country’s strategic value as an American ally while maintaining the security foundation necessary for regional stability.
Lee identified nuclear-powered submarine development as a key priority for military expansion, noting that South Korea must prepare for potential worst-case scenarios despite its commitment to peace with North Korea. The president’s comments reflected concern over Trump’s stated preference for warmer relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his criticism of the bilateral exercises as unnecessarily provocative.
Trump’s Truth Social statement on Monday criticized the costly drills as inappropriate in tone and questioned why the United States bore most expenses. He praised North Korea as “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency and expressed displeasure with the long-standing military cooperation agreement between Washington and Seoul.
South Korea’s National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac expressed hope Tuesday that Trump’s diplomatic relationship with Kim could facilitate substantive negotiations between North Korea and the United States. Trump separately criticized Lee’s administration for declining to support American efforts regarding Iranian denuclearization.
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