S Korea Prez Defends Drills Amid Trump Cuts

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized annual civil-defense exercises are purely defensive, countering claims of aggression after President Trump ordered cuts to US-South Korea military drills. The drills, held alongside joint US-South Korea exercises, aim to bolster Seoul's independent defense capabilities. Despite Trump's directive to reduce joint drills, Seoul plans to continue strengthening its own military. This underscores ongoing tensions and strategic adjustments in the region.