Seoul and Washington shortened the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise from 11 to 5 days following Donald Trump's order. The reduction coincides with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Seoul concerning diplomatic efforts to formally end the Korean War.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which opened on August 17, will now end on August 21, shortening the event to 5 days from the planned 11 days. The second phase rehearsing counterattack operations was cancelled and some live events were moved to simulation. Donald Trump ordered the reduction, citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the war on Iran.[1]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Seoul on August 19 for a two-day visit. He held talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and is scheduled to meet President Lee Jae Myung at the presidential office. Lee is pursuing an active diplomatic initiative to formally close the 1950-1953 Korean War, seeking support from major regional powers to solidify a permanent peace settlement on the peninsula.[2]
The scale-back of the military drills with 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea comes as Seoul actively seeks Beijing's cooperation on the peace declaration. North Korea denounced the ongoing military exercises, stating it will continue to exercise its right to self-defence against Washington and Seoul, maintaining tension despite the reduced operational scope of the joint maneuvers.[1], [2]
