Faced with an ever-increasing threat from North Korea, South Korea, and the United States are considering holding joint large-scale military exercises in 2023, Reuters writes.
The Ministry of Defense of South Korea announced that the exercises are being planned to commemorate the 70th anniversary of cooperation between the two countries. Joint exercises could be the way to demonstrate the military presence and the superiority of the alliance’s defense capabilities.
Joint drills will resume after a break of several years. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, elected earlier this year, has pledged to increase military capabilities and readiness to stand against North Korea. The break in cooperation occurred during the presidency of Sukjol’s predecessor. Moon Jae-in preferred to build cooperation with North Korea, however, the neighboring country rejected the possible cooperation, calling it an invasion attempt.
On the 20th of December, the US flew F-22 Raptor fighter jets to South Korea, just hours after North Korea criticized both countries and promised more missile tests.
In September, the US and South Korea held their first joint exercises in four years.
North Korea has conducted a major ballistic missile test this year, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Also, Seoul and Washington report that North Korea is preparing for nuclear tests. These were previously carried out in 2017.
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