South Korean-American joint military exercises have entered day four. Yesterday both militaries were at Camp Casey in Gyeonggi Dongducheon, where the U.S.’ 2nd Infantry Division is stationed, and they openly engaged in biological, chemical and radiological attack exercises. Due to the fact that this is the first time both militaries openly displayed biological, chemical and radiological exercises, it received high-profile condemnation from North Korea in advance. This is a cause for concern; General Taylor, assistant commander of the U.S.’ 2nd Infantry Division, stressed that these exercises are not aimed at North Korea.
On the same day, South Korean and American officers publicly displayed part of the biological, chemical and radiological equipment exercise. Both militaries used weapons like chemical and biological reconnaissance vehicles, M26 disinfection equipment, explosive ordnance disposal robot “TALON,” biological reconnaissance vehicle (K-317) and UV shielding and smokescreen system (K-221) in their exercises and drills.
Japan and U.S. Delay Announcement of a New Security Declaration
In addition, according to Japanese media reports, due to unfinished plans for the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to America at the end of June, both countries’ plans to announce a new security declaration may change.
Yomiuri Shimbun reports that the U.S. and Japan intend to hold “two plus two” defense meetings with the foreign and defense ministers in early May to carry out the last section of consultations. However, due to the confusion in the Japanese government, the planned end-of-June visit to the U.S. is unfunded. Therefore the visit to the U.S. by Naoto Kan to announce a new bilateral security declaration will be delayed. Yomiuri Shimbun reports the new security declaration is the greatest symbol of U.S. and Japan strengthening their alliance, but the confusion in the Japanese government causes the U.S.-Japan alliance to be overshadowed.
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