Debates arise over call to cancel joint military drills

[soryang]

Experts express concerns over weakening of combined nuclear deterrence capabilities

By Jung Da-min Korea Times June Fri Jun 18

A debate has arisen over whether South Korea and the U.S. should cancel their annual joint military exercises scheduled to be held in August, with some government officials and experts ― who advocate engagement with North Korea ― saying Pyongyang will not return to denuclearization talks as long as they continue to be held.

However, others question whether such a cancellation would have any effect at all noting the distinct probability that the North will not take any corresponding actions.

In August, the allies are scheduled to hold the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) command post exercise without the large-scale mobilization of troops. Pyongyang has long denounced such joint military drills, calling them a rehearsal for invasion. In the past couple of years, Seoul and Washington have cancelled or scaled down the exercises, either for diplomatic reasons or, as in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

more:

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/06/103_310667.html?tw

[comradebillyboy]

1. The Republic of Korea is an important ally. They have also become

a vibrant and prosperous democracy. That alliance is much more important than catering to the whims of Kim and his murderous regime. We need to support our friends.

[soryang]

3. it's the democratic government of South Korea that wants the US to become more flexible

The US has actually been playing the role of overseer of South Korean policy whether they like it or not. The political opposition which takes the US view are more or less authoritarian militarists who would go back to the dictatorship in South Korea in a heartbeat. Impeached president Park Geun-hye and the South Korean Defense Security Command plotted a military coup in the spring of 2017, which fortunately failed to take place. The principal plotter, a military general, the DSC commander, fled to the US where is believed to be in hiding.

In recent years, the US envoy to North Korea spends more time blocking South Korean initiatives than dealing with North Korea.

[qazplm135]

2. Having participated in UFG

It's a two phase exercise.

Phase one is a NK invasion and attack.

Phase two is a counter-attack.