US, South Korea, Japan Expected to Hold Trilateral Military Drills Near DPRK

The United States, South Korea, and Japan are set to conduct the third annual "Freedom Edge" trilateral military exercises from September 15 to 19 near the South Korean island of Jeju, focusing on multi-domain operations across sea, air, and cyberspace to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. These exercises aim to enhance interoperability and maintain regional peace and stability, with officials emphasizing compliance with international law and norms. The drills follow recent large-scale troop mobilizations by South Korea and the U.S., which North Korea condemned as hostile, and come amid growing military cooperation among North Korea, Russia, and China, highlighted by a recent summit and military parade in Beijing. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reinforced ties with China and Russia during his visits, further intensifying regional security dynamics. The exercises are the first under South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting a renewed focus on military readiness in response to evolving geopolitical tensions. Additionally, senior military officials from Japan and NATO will participate in the upcoming Seoul Defense Dialogue, underscoring the broader context of international defense collaboration in the region.