Donald Trump agrees to delay South Korea military drills until after the Winter Olympics
Pentagon said it supported South Korean President Moon Jae-in and ‘what is in the best interest of the ROK-US Alliance’
US President Donald Trump and the Pentagon agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea during the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang to reduce tensions throughout the competition period.
Trump and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in “agreed to de-conflict the Olympics and our military exercises so that United States and Republic of Korea forces can focus on ensuring the security of the Games”, the White House announced.
“The United States and the Republic of Korea are committed to a safe and successful 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.”
US defence department spokesman Colonel Rob Manning had told the South China Morning Post in an email exchange before the White House announcement that the US military supported Moon and “what is in the best interest of the ROK-US Alliance”.
Moon and Trump agreed in a telephone conversation to postpone the military exercises during the Games, which are set to open on February 9.
The “tentative” agreement came at a request from the South Korean leader, according to a report by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.