South Korea, Japan and the United States are holding a three-day joint naval exercise from today. South Korea’s Defence Ministry said, the exercise is aimed at ensuring effective response to the North Korea’s submarine threats, including the submarine-launched ballistic missiles and to demonstrate the three countries’ strong determination.
The drills, involving more than 800 troops, kicked off in South Korea’s southern coast near Japan. The exercise is being held in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington is prepared to act unilaterally to deal with North Korea’s nuclear program if China proves unwilling to help.
Pyongyang is on a quest of developing a long-range missile, and has so far staged five nuclear tests. It is already barred under United Nations resolutions from any use of ballistic missile technology.
