High schools begin a day after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile
The armed forces of South Korea and the United States began their first joint aviation exercises in five years off the peninsula today, a day after North Korea launched a ballistic missile.
The US, South Korea’s main security ally, keeps some 28,500 troops deployed in the Asian country to protect it from its nuclear-armed northern neighbour.
Conservative South Korean President Yun, who took office in May, has stated his intention to multiply joint military high schools after his predecessor’s efforts to reach a diplomatic rapprochement with Pyongyang failed.
“These drills were designed to demonstrate the strong will of the South Korea-US alliance to respond to North Korean provocations,” the South Korean navy said in a statement.
About twenty warships, including the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, as well as powerful air forces, will participate in the exercises, lasting four days.
During their duration, there will be simulations of naval battles and anti-submarine operations, tactical maneuvers and other exercises, the South Korean Navy explained.
High school starts a day after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile, its umpteenth this year. Pyongyang, defying international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, adopted a law in early September that says it will launch pre-emptive strikes with nuclear weapons if it deems itself threatened and will never leave the its nuclear arsenal.
Washington and Seoul have held joint military exercises for decades, insisting on their defensive nature, but North Korea views them as rehearsals for an invasion of its territory. Russia and China criticized the high schools, calling on all parties to avoid moves that escalate tensions in the region and to ease sanctions against Pyongyang.
Last month, the US and South Korea held their largest joint military exercises since 2018. The scope of the drills had been scaled back in the interim due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and Seoul’s efforts to warm relations with Pyongyang, now I’m done.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
