US, SKorea open to expanded military drills to deter North

By AAMER MADHANI and JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol say after meeting that they will consider expanded joint military exercises to deter the nuclear threat from North Korea. The announcement Saturday during Biden’s visit to Seoul reflects a shift in direction from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had considered scrapping the exercises and had expressed affection for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement may also put to rest concerns in Seoul that Washington would revert to the Obama administration’s policy of “strategic patience” in which it largely looked the other way while North Korea expanded its nuclear arsenal.