
South Korean, US forces launch 4-day joint aerial exercise southeast of capital Seoul
Amid a political crisis, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has expressed Seoul's commitment to revitalizing its alliance with the US following Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Congratulating Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Choi said South Korea looks forward to “making the Alliance Great Again in the 47th presidency, as we have during the 45th.”
Trump, who began his non-consecutive second term as the US president on Monday, leads a key ally in South Korea, which hosts over 28,500 US troops and military bases on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea is currently grappling with its most significant political turmoil in decades, triggered by the short-lived martial law imposed by now-suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The statement by Choi comes as South Korea and the US forces began a four-day joint aerial exercise Tuesday southeast of the capital Seoul.
The drills aim to enhance their ability to conduct joint operations, according to the South Korean Air Force.
Addressing Trump's remark that he “got along very well” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Seoul reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for Pyongyang's denuclearization.
During his first term, Trump met with Kim three times.- Asian leaders congratulate Trump
Joining Asian leaders to extend congratulations to Trump on his return to the White House, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the Southeast Asian nation "remains committed to working closely with the United States and to reinforce our long-standing strategic cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two nations."
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also congratulated Trump and the American people on "peaceful transfer of power in their nation's nearly 250-year history."
"I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration. The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region," Marcos said on X, addressing Trump.