South Korea considers scrapping military exercises with the US ahead of the Winter Olympics

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Independent


Option has been on the table 'for a very long time'
Christine Kim 4 hours ago

South Korea is reportedly considering scrapping a regular military exercise with US forces next year to minimise the risk of an aggressive North Korean reaction when it holds the Winter Olympics.

The secretive communist state regularly accuses its neighbour of preparing to invade it with American help. In response it has conducted ballistic missile tests, some of which have been flown over the Japanese mainland.

North Korea also conducted its largest ever nuclear test in September which triggered a magnitude 5 earthquake. The world united to condemn the display of “fanatic recklessness” by Kim Jong-un’s military, with even its closest allies denouncing the explosion.

With the Winter Olympics due to be held in South Korea in February, followed by the Paralympics, the following month, the country is keen to avoid trouble during the showcase event.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/south-korea-military-exercises-us-north-korea-kim-jong-un-missile-tests-nuclear-test-winter-olympics-a8070926.html

[GP6971]

1. Not surprising

South Korea canceled a lot of exercise meetings prior to the 88 Olympics and the winter exercise in 89 was really reduced in scope due to the cancellations.