CNN "Announcement on Reduction of ROK-US Joint Exercises Expected as Early as Today"... Impact of COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] CNN reported on the 25th (local time), citing U.S. administration sources, that South Korea and the United States are expected to soon announce a reduction in joint military exercises due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

CNN stated that this announcement could come as early as tonight U.S. time, or on the morning of the 26th Korean time. It added that both South Korea and the U.S. are currently discussing the final details, and the announcement will be made by the United States Forces Korea Command together with the Republic of Korea military.

Sources told CNN that this would be the first case where COVID-19 significantly impacts the readiness of U.S. forces.

Earlier, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said at a joint press conference held at the U.S. Department of Defense building the previous day that a reduction of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises was under consideration. Since a crisis management exercise is scheduled for the first week of next month and the main exercise is planned from the second week, it is expected that a conclusion will be reached within this week at the earliest.

Secretary Esper said that although a reduction of the exercises is being considered, there will be no military impact. He stated, "I am confident that we are fully prepared to handle any threats we may face together."

However, CNN also reported that some U.S. officials analyzed that there could be repercussions similar to the joint exercise adjustments in August 2018, noting that since more than 50% of the troops rotate annually, some personnel may not have the opportunity to experience the joint exercises.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.