South Korea, Japan, US to hold trilateral drill in September

South Korea, Japan, and the United States will proceed with their trilateral military exercise, Freedom Edge, from September 7 to 11, 2026, in international waters near Jeju Island, officials announced on Friday. The drill is designed to enhance the three nations' combined readiness to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

The exercise was confirmed by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, which stated that Freedom Edge is defensive in nature and aims to safeguard regional peace and stability. The announcement follows a period of reduced military activity between the United States and South Korea, including the early conclusion of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise and the cancellation of a separate amphibious drill. Those adjustments were made at the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump, who cited a desire to avoid sending an "inappropriate and hostile" message to Pyongyang and to support diplomatic outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Despite these bilateral reductions, the trilateral Freedom Edge drill will proceed as planned. A spokeswoman for the United States Pacific Command confirmed the exercise would continue, stating it reinforces shared...