US President Donald Trump has announced that the scale of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea will be significantly reduced. He linked this decision to the "very good relationship" he has established with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump noted that these exercises are not only costly, with much of the costs paid for by the United States (as usual), but also send a signal that is "totally inappropriate and hostile."
Trump also pointed out that South Korea recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran, which may contribute to the reduction in military cooperation between the two countries.
It is worth noting that Trump last met with the North Korean leader in person in 2019. His relationship with Kim Jong Un deviates from traditional US foreign policy.
The US and South Korea were due to start their regular military exercises on Monday. However, Trump's statement may affect the nature of these exercises.
This is breaking news, and more details will be provided shortly.