Trilateral drills: South Korea, the US and Japan began five-day maritime, air and cyber exercises around Jeju Island.
North Korea focus: Seoul says Freedom Edge strengthens deterrence against Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats.
UFS cut short: The drills follow Washington’s early termination of the South Korea-US Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.
Trump’s rationale: Trump cited costs and diplomacy with Kim Jong-un, criticizing major drills as hostile signals.
China shift fears: Analysts say the contrast may signal a broader US military posture increasingly focused on China.
Readiness question: Experts say exercise changes need not weaken deterrence if alliance coordination and combat readiness remain strong.
Pyongyang rejects shift: North Korea says continued trilateral drills show US “hostile policy” remains unchanged.
flylikekite@heraldcorp.com
