The aim of the four-day exercise in the seas east of the Korean peninsula is to improve both navies’ ability to conduct joint operations. At the same time, the South Korean Navy said it wanted to “demonstrate the determination of the US-South Korean alliance to respond to North Korean provocations.” More than 20 ships as well as various aircraft and submarines will take part in the four-day exercise.
South Korea wants “deterrence”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was sworn in in May, would like to increase the number of joint maneuvers with the United States in view of the ongoing tensions with Pyongyang. The exercise that has now begun is intended to “deter North Korea from threats with nuclear weapons and missiles,” the South Korean Defense Ministry said.
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong Sup talks to US military officials
In August, the United States and South Korea launched their largest joint military exercises since 2018. The maneuvers had previously been scaled back because of diplomatic rapprochement between Washington and Pyongyang and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pyongyang rules out nuclear disarmament
The day before the exercises, North Korea had tested another ballistic missile. Since the beginning of the year, North Korea, which is internationally isolated and subject to numerous sanctions, has tested more weapon systems than ever before. On September 9, the authoritarian country published a law declaring a pre-emptive nuclear strike permissible. The leadership in Pyongyang also ruled out nuclear disarmament in the country.
South Korea and the United States fear that Pyongyang could test nuclear weapons for the first time since 2017.
nob/kle (dpa, afp)
