South Korean President Lee Backs Trump's Decision to Reduce Military Drills

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump's recent directive to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, viewing it as a step toward fostering conditions for dialogue with North Korea. Lee expressed respect for Trump's decision, stating it aligns with a belief that a peace system is the most perfect security asset.

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President Trump's decision is expected to lead to trust-building between North Korea and the U.S., resume dialogue, and ultimately establish a stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

"President Trump's decision is expected to lead to trust-building between North Korea and the U.S., resume dialogue, and ultimately establish a stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula," Lee remarked in a social media post. He noted that Trump's messages and photos indicated careful consideration for creating peace beyond hostility and confrontation on the peninsula.

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President Trump believes that a peace system that does not require fighting is the most perfect security asset. We are trying to create conditions for dialogue to build a peace system on the Korean Peninsula, even if it means reducing joint US-South Korea military exercises and field training.

Lee recalled his first meeting with Trump at the White House about a year prior, where he requested Trump play a "peacemaker" role for the divided Korean Peninsula. He reiterated his commitment to supporting Trump's efforts as a "pacemaker." Lee also highlighted South Korea's growing defense capabilities, noting the nation's military spending, which is equivalent to 1.4 times its annual GDP, and its ranking as the world's fifth-largest military power. He affirmed South Korea's readiness to take responsibility for its own security, echoing Trump's sentiment.

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I have carefully watched President Trump's recent SNS messages and photos. President Trump's message feels like a significant decision made with deep consideration to create peace beyond hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

Furthermore, Lee addressed South Korea's participation in international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Seoul would continue close communication with Washington regarding practical contributions within the scope of its laws and policies. This statement comes after Trump mentioned that South Korea declined an offer to participate in Iran's denuclearization efforts. Lee concluded by expressing anticipation for a future meeting with President Trump in the United States.

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I remember asking President Trump to play the role of 'peacemaker' for the Korean Peninsula, the world's only divided nation, during our first meeting at the White House about a year ago. As I have stated many times, I will do my best to play the role of 'pacemaker' to facilitate and contribute to President Trump's peacemaker activities.