Amidst rising North Korean threat, the nuclear-powered USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier of the United States Navy arrived in Busan, South Korea, for a joint military exercise between the US, South Korea, and Japan on Saturday. This exercise aims to strengthen their defense capabilities against increasing regional threats, particularly from North Korea. Notably, the arrival of an American warship in the Korean peninsula also indicates the country’s increasing cooperation with South amidst growing ties North Korea-Russia ties.
South Korea protests Russia-North defence pact
South Korea recently called in the Russian Ambassador to protest a new defense agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The agreement promises mutual defense support in the event of war, which South Korea sees as a serious threat to its security. In response, South Korea has suggested it might send weapons to Ukraine whereas this move could jeopardize its relations with Russia.
The upcoming military exercise which is named Freedom Edge, was planned after a meeting between the defense leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan in Singapore earlier in June. Freedom Edge aim is to enhance the joint response of these nations in areas like air, sea, and cyberspace. While South Korea’s military hasn’t shared any specific details, the exercise is expected to start in June.
The South Korean navy stated that the arrival of the Theodore Roosevelt shows the strong defense readiness of the allies and their determination to address North Korean threats. This visit follows a similar deployment seven months ago when the USS Carl Vinson visited South Korea to demonstrate strength.
In April, the Theodore Roosevelt strike group joined a joint exercise with South Korean and Japanese naval forces in the East China Sea, where concerns are growing over China’s territorial claims. The United States, South Korea, and Japan have been increasing their joint military training and the presence of US military is an advantage in the region to deter North Korea.
Additionally, the United States and South Korea are updating their nuclear defense plans to ensure that Washington can quickly and effectively protect Seoul from a potential North Korean nuclear attack.
