US, South Korea, Japan Hold Drills as Putin Allies with North Korea

A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt, arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan on Saturday, marking the start of joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan later this month.

These drills, known as “Freedom Edge,” aim to enhance cooperation and readiness among the allied forces, according to naval officials.

The annual drills were agreed upon at a summit last August by the leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

This decision underscores their commitment to project unity in the face of China’s growing influence and ongoing nuclear threats from North Korea.

Rear Admiral Christopher Alexander, commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine, emphasized the importance of these exercises in a press conference. “The intent is to improve the interoperability between our navies and ensure that we are ready to respond to any crisis or contingency,” he stated.

The Theodore Roosevelt will serve as the command ship for the drills, which will include maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense exercises.

Last year, the three nations conducted joint naval missile defense and anti-submarine exercises, demonstrating their resolve to address North Korean threats effectively.

The increasing frequency and scale of these drills reflect the heightened security concerns in the region.

Compounding the geopolitical tension, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea this week for the first time in 24 years. During his visit, he signed a deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which included a mutual defense pledge, marking one of Russia’s most significant moves in Asia in recent years.

The “Freedom Edge” drills signify a robust trilateral effort to enhance defense cooperation and ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region amid escalating threats and shifting alliances.