US allies in Asia have watched warily as American military hardware has been redirected from the region to the Middle East for the war against Iran.
But unlike NATO members, they’ve so far avoided any major blowback from President Donald Trump for not sending the US support in the conflict.
His surprise decision today to downsize major US-South Korea military drills just as they were starting suggests there may yet be a price to pay.
In a rambling social-media post, Trump hailed his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing his regime as “unthreatening and respectful.”
He reprised complaints about the cost of keeping a US military presence in South Korea, and highlighted President Lee Jae Myung’s rejection of his request for help on Iran.
It’s unclear what happens now. South Korea’s Defense Ministry says the joint exercises involving 18,000 troops over 10 days will go ahead as planned. Lee’s office says it will “coordinate closely” with the US on defense, and on “ways to make a practical and military contribution” around the Strait of Hormuz.
US and South Korea military leaders portray the drills as critical to preparing for any North Korean aggression. That’s become more significant as Pyongyang’s capabilities have grown in areas like missile development and drone deployment thanks to its alliance with Russia.
The US has scheduled major military exercises for later this year with other regional powers including Japan, Australia and Indonesia. Tokyo is also in sensitive talks with the US over the amount it pays to host American military bases.
Asian nations remain some of the most reliant on the US to deter China and North Korea.
Just as in Europe, Trump’s latest shockwave may trigger a new bout of nervousness among allies in Asia about the US’s willingness to come to their aid. — Alastair Gale