By Dwayne Ferreira.
Ulchi Freedom Shield is cut from 11 days to five after Trump orders reduced US involvement, raising hopes of renewed Kim Jong Un talks.
SEOUL — Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual military exercise between the United States and South Korea, will end six days early after Washington pushed for a major reduction.
The exercise began on August 17 and was originally scheduled to continue for 11 days, until August 27. Seoul and Washington have now agreed to conclude it on August 21, cutting the exercise to five days.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the adjustment came at the suggestion of the United States. The allies are also reducing the exercise’s scope.
Some live field training will be cancelled or shifted to simulations. South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back indicated that the planned second phase could be cancelled entirely. Reports said that phase would have focused on a simulated counterattack after an initial defensive stage.
The Pentagon says the shortened exercise will still meet essential readiness requirements and that US training objectives will not be degraded.
Trump Orders Ulchi Freedom Shield Reduction
President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon on Sunday to “substantially reduce” US participation. He cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing it as very good.
Trump has also criticised the cost of the drills and complained about Seoul’s unwillingness to support US actions connected to Iran.
The decision surprised officials on both sides. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told a parliamentary hearing that neither South Korean nor US officials knew in advance that Trump would issue the order.
New Kim Jong Un Talks Back in Focus
The reduction also carries a diplomatic dimension. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has urged aides to arrange another meeting with Kim as early as this autumn.
The proposed meeting could take place during an Asia trip linked to the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November. Reuters said it could not independently confirm those plans.
North Korea has not welcomed the concession. Kim Yo Jong said reducing the duration and scale did not change what Pyongyang views as the provocative nature of the exercises. However, she also indicated that Kim Jong Un retained positive personal feelings toward Trump.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has stressed that the exercises are defensive and not intended to attack North Korea. The episode strengthens Lee’s push for Seoul to regain greater independent control of its military during wartime.
