Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that the government was not informed in advance of U.S. President Donald Trump's order to scale back joint military drills, suggesting the move was partly aimed at pressuring Seoul over issues including Iran and investment pledges. Cho indicated that neither the South Korean government nor U.S. officials were aware of Trump's directive prior to its announcement.

Cho said Trump's message includes pressure over several pending issues concerning the South Korean government, a message to North Korea, and an intention by the United States to break a stalemate in the Iran war. He cited South Korea's pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States under a trade deal signed last year as a potential source of friction, though Seoul has yet to announce details of the investment plan.

South Korea and the United States announced they will shorten annual military drills to five days from 11 and scale back some field training, following Trump's order. South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young believes Trump is moving closer to potentially arranging a new meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by curtailing exercises that have long angered Pyongyang.