South Korea and the United States began their annual joint military exercises today, Monday, to enhance their joint defense readiness against threats from North Korea. The “Ulchi Freedom Shield” exercises, which continue until August 28, include drills to face realistic threats aimed at strengthening the allies’ capabilities in all fields. About 18,000 South Korean soldiers will be mobilized for this year’s training, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. While the Joint Chiefs of Staff said this year’s exercises will be held on a scale similar to last year, about half of the approximately 40 planned field exercises will be postponed to September as part of South Korea’s clear efforts to improve tense relations with North Korea. North Korea has long condemned the joint exercises between the allies as rehearsals for invasion and has conducted weapons tests in response.

In a statement issued on August 10, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol condemned the large-scale exercises and stated that his country maintains the right to “self-defense” in case of provocation. South Korea and the United States confirmed that the summer exercises are defensive in nature. The “Ulchi Freedom Shield” exercises coincide with civil defense drills lasting four days until Thursday, involving about 580,000 civilians and including efforts to repel drone attacks and cyberattacks. Next Wednesday will witness a nationwide civil defense training against air raids as part of the civil defense exercises. Earlier this month, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung pledged to “respect” North Korea’s political system and establish “military trust” after Pyongyang announced its unwillingness to improve relations with Seoul. The left-leaning centrist president took office in early June and promised to reach out to Pyongyang, affirming that “no matter the cost, peace is better than war.”