U.S., South Korea defense chiefs vow to step up military drills – By Thomas Maresca (UPI) / Jan 31, 2023
SEOUL, Jan. 31 (UPI) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup agreed Tuesday to expand combined military drills and step up deterrence efforts to respond to evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats.
Austin and Lee held bilateral talks in Seoul and condemned North Korea’s continued provocations, including a slew of missile launches and recent drone incursions.
In a joint statement, the two defense chiefs agreed to “strengthen combined exercises and training, including the upcoming combined bilateral exercises.”
The officials “concurred on the need to take into account changes in the security environment, including the DPRK’s recent steps with respect to its nuclear and missile program.”
