South Korea's Lee calls for stronger military after Trump cuts drills

Key Points:

• South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for enhancing South Korea's independent military capabilities following U.S. President Donald Trump's order to significantly reduce U.S. participation in joint military exercises with South Korea.
• Trump criticized the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises as costly and hostile toward North Korea, despite his warm rhetoric toward North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and expressed dissatisfaction with South Korea's stance on Iran.
• Lee reaffirmed that the exercises are purely defensive and emphasized the importance of a strong alliance with the U.S. while preparing for potential worst-case scenarios, including advancing South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program.
• South Korea's national security advisor expressed hope that Trump's positive relationship with Kim Jong Un could foster meaningful dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.
• Trump also highlighted South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. in efforts to denuclearize Iran, signaling tensions in broader diplomatic cooperation.