South Korea president highlights US alliance after Trump reduces joint exercises 

South Korea’s president on Tuesday sought to highlight the more than 70-year alliance with the United States after President Trump over the weekend announced he had directed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” its joint military exercises with Seoul.

Speaking in a regular Cabinet meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that  “national security will be further strengthened when the alliance is solid,” referring to the military alliance with the U.S., The Associated Press reported.

“When we build up our strengths, our value and importance as an ally will further grow,” Lee said.

The U.S. military has been participating in joint war games with South Korea for more than 70 years to bolster military readiness against possible aggression from North Korea. 

But a day before the start of the most recent annual drill, Ulchi Freedom Shield,........

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