Strengthening of US-South Korea ties cause concerns in China: Report
In an early sign of a strong alliance under US President Joe Biden, South Korea Defence Minister Suh Wook has announced that the annual spring military exercises with the US would be resumed this year and such actions have raised China’s concerns.As part of former US President Donald Trump’s “effort to maintain a truce he had struck with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un”, the drills usually held in March every year by the US and South Korea were either suspended or downsized since 2018. And in 2020, the drills could not be held due to COVID-19 pandemic.Soon after resuming office, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in a telephonic conversation with his South Korean counterpart Suh Wook assured Seoul of the US’ “ironclad” commitment to defend its long-term ally through joint defence work.Simil