SEOUL, South Korea — The commander of U.S. Forces Korea visited South Korea’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, according to media reports.
\n\nThe ministry and USFK did not immediately comment, but reports of the visit by Commander Xavier Brunson came after President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the drills, and said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach.
\n\nEarlier Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger independent defense capabilities, while saying that annual civil defense exercises held alongside the joint military drills were defensive and not intended to threaten North Korea.
\n\nTrump orders reduction of joint exercises with South Korea
\n\nLee said Seoul should proceed without disruption with the planned transfer of wartime operational control from the United States during his term, in line with the government’s existing plan.
\n\n“A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally,” Lee said in a cabinet meeting, describing the U.S.-South Korea alliance and independent defense as mutually reinforcing.
\n\nLee said maintaining peace was the government’s top priority, but that South…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/