South Korea and the United States are changing the duration and scope of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. The two countries decided to end the military exercise, which began Monday, about a week early and reduce some joint field training.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said the changes were decided at the proposal of the United States. The exercise is expected to end Friday instead of the previously scheduled date of August 27.

Trump cited costs and ties with North Korea
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to significantly reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump cited the cost of the exercises and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un among the reasons for his decision.
On Monday, Trump also criticized South Korea for refusing to support Washington in its conflict with Iran. Trump said the United States spends billions of dollars to protect South Korea and has 39,000 troops stationed there, questioning why Washington should continue helping South Korea under these circumstances.