Analysis: Canceled US-South Korea Drills Raise Questions Over Regional Deterrence

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By Scott Huang/Lery Hiciano

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Defense analyst Bryce Barros of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research gives TaiwanPlus his take on the canceled US-South Korea joint military exercises, saying the decision could raise questions about US commitment to the Indo-Pacific and weaken the credibility of regional deterrence.

US-South Korea Joint Military Drill Canceled

REPORTER:  
A US-South Korea joint military exercise has been canceled, according to the South Korean military.

The Twin Dragons exercise was originally set for September, but the US pulled out amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This comes soon after US President Donald Trump ordered another joint US-South Korea drill cut short from its usual 11 days to just five. Many saw that move as a gesture to appease North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

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US-South Korea Drills Shelved to Focus on Middle East

REPORTER:  
An annual US-South Korea joint military exercise was cancelled, the South Korean military said on Monday.

The "Twin Dragons" exercise was originally set for September, but ongoing US military commitments to conflict in the Middle East prevented American participation. This comes just months after another joint US-SK drill was shortened from its usual 11 days to just 5 days, amid concerns over US commitments to regional allies and weapons

Asia-Pacific