US Department of Defense: "ROK-US Joint Exercises Decided by Mutual Agreement... Respecting COVID-19 Guidelines"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Following the recent restoration of communication lines between South and North Korea, attention is focused on whether the upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises scheduled for next month will be adjusted. The U.S. Department of Defense reiterated its existing position that such decisions will be made through mutual agreement with the South Korean government.

On the 31st, Voice of America (VOA) reported that a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense responded to VOA's inquiry about the possible adjustment of next month's joint exercises by saying, "According to the policy of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, we do not comment on planned or ongoing exercises," and added, "Joint exercises are a decision made by both South Korea and the U.S., and all decisions will be based on mutual agreement."

The spokesperson further stated, "Force protection is the top priority of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and all joint exercises will respect the COVID-19 guidelines of the South Korean government and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency."

Earlier, Defense Minister Seo Wook and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedly discussed security issues on the Korean Peninsula during a phone call the previous day, including coordinating views on the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.

Regarding the joint exercises, the U.S. side maintains the position that they must be conducted to uphold the combined defense posture, while the South Korean side is said to prefer making decisions that reflect conditions such as maintaining momentum for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, driving denuclearization negotiations, and the COVID-19 outbreak situation.

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