Published Aug 18, 2026, 1:50 AM ET · Updated 3 months ago · 2 sources

South Korea president calls for military independence in wake of Trump call to cut joint drills

guardian
guardian
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Original Report
INFERY
South Korea president calls for military independence in wake of Trump call to cut joint drills

South Korea’s president ⁠has renewed his push to regain independent control of the military from the US in the event of war and urged faster progress in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines after Donald Trump’s order to cut joint drills. On Sunday night, Trump instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” this week’s joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the nuclear-armed North “has been unthreatening and respectful” and that the US president had a “very good relationship with Ki