Asia's Security Reckoning: Trump Slashes Korea Drills as US Indo-Pacific Commitment Faces Doubt

The US and South Korea have cut their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military drills from 11 days to just five, ending August 21 instead of the original August 27 — after President Donald Trump personally ordered a "substantial reduction" in US participation. The move, announced Wednesday, coincides with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting Seoul for regional security talks. Trump simultaneously announced he will meet Kim Jong Un later this year — the first summit...