US and South Korea begin large-scale military exercises
On Sunday, April 1, South Korea and the United States began joint military exercises, which were postponed during the Olympics in Pyeongchang. More than 10,000 American troops and about 290,000 South Korean troops are participating in the Foal Eagle maneuvers, reports DW.
The Foal Eagle exercises include ground troops, military aircraft, naval forces and special forces. Previously, the same number of troops participated in the exercises. Maneuvers will last about a month.
The American-South Korean Foal Eagle exercises, like the Key Resolve exercises, are usually held annually in March. Washington and Seoul decided to postpone the exercises in 2018 until after the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
The Key Resolve exercises will begin toward the middle or end of March and last for two weeks.
Earlier, the Pentagon gave assurances that the exercises are for defensive purposes and that North Korea should not “consider them as provocation.”
Additionally, on April 27, a meeting is planned between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
In May, direct talks are planned between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump.