According to Yonhap news agency's report on August 18, after Trump demanded a reduction in joint military exercises, South Korean President Li Jae-myeong called for the return of wartime command authority again on the 18th. He also said that he hopes to achieve this during his tenure.
Li Zaiming not only mentioned the transfer of wartime command authority during the cabinet meeting, but also called for an acceleration in the procurement process of nuclear-powered submarines. It is reported that these statements seem to be related to President Donald Trump's earlier order to reduce the scale of joint military exercises.
On the evening of the 16th, Trump instructed the Pentagon to “significantly reduce” the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. The reason given was that North Korea “has always been non-threatening and has maintained respect.” He also has a “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Subsequently, Lee Jae-myeong stated on the 18th that Seoul should carry out the task of transferring the wartime combat control of the South Korean military from the United States back to South Korea according to plan during his tenure. This is a goal that he and the government have been working towards for a long time.
Li Zaiming explained that 'strong allied relationships make the security foundation more solid, and strengthening our own capabilities enhances our value and necessity as allies.' He viewed the South Korean-US alliance and independent defense as complementary to each other.
The power of wartime command and control, that is, the authority to direct the South Korean military at the outbreak of war. Since the Korean War, the United States has long exercised this authority through the so-called "United Nations Command," and the commander of the command has always been a four-star general from the U.S. military.
Seoul regained military control during peacetime in 1994, but wartime command is a strong symbol of a country's sovereignty. Reclaiming this power has been one of South Korea's most important security goals for over twenty years, but it has been repeatedly delayed by successive governments.
The reiteration of the agenda occurred after Trump called for a reduction in the "Easthiber" exercise, one of the two annual exercises held by South Korea and the United States.
The exercise is expected to involve approximately 18,000 South Korean soldiers, as well as American overseas troops and other personnel from 11 member states of the United Nations Command.
In an interview on the Oval Office on the 17th, Trump praised Kim Jong-un, saying that their relationship has reduced tensions: “You see, I have actually made the situation safer. Kim Jong-un always respects me very much. I understand him, and he understands me too.”
Trump had previously suspended South Korean-US military exercises in order to establish diplomatic contacts with North Korea. The 2018 "Bajee Jiwon Jae" exercise was canceled, and other exercises were also suspended or scaled down. However, these exercises were later re-designed and resumed under modified forms and names.
