ROK-US-Japan Exercise Proceeds, Aimed at China Deterrence

This exercise is an annual defensive drill designed to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. However, correspondent Kim Min-seok emphasized that "Looking at this schedule and the numbers, the message is clear. According to the version announced on August 28, the exercise conducted in the international waters southeast of Jeju is precisely this Freedom Edge exercise," highlighting that a key purpose of this exercise is a deterrence strategy in case of war with China.

Experts also raise the possibility of a linkage between the Taiwan issue and a war on the Korean Peninsula. Some criticize Trump's decisions as potentially impulsive.

Currently, there are no US aircraft carriers in the Asian region. This is because the aircraft carrier USS George Washington was dispatched to the Middle East due to the worsening situation there. Correspondent Kim Min-seok stated, "Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East, the aircraft carrier George Washington has been dispatched there, leaving no aircraft carriers in Asia." However, given the defensive nature of the Freedom Edge exercise, the absence of an aircraft carrier is not expected to significantly impede the drill.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok assessed, "It seems like they are using it as a pressure card to gain maximum benefits for themselves." This is based on Trump's remarks in an August 30 Fox News interview, and appears to be a reaction to Korea's refusal to provide military assistance related to Iran. Despite Korea's very high defense contribution, this pressure continues.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok pointed out, "This year, we increased it by 8% to 1.5192 trillion won, but he keeps saying USFK is 39,000, when it's 28,000, he keeps saying 39,000," noting that Trump repeatedly misrepresents the actual 28,000 USFK personnel as 39,000.

South Korea is contributing 1.5192 trillion won in defense costs in 2024, an 8% increase, which represents a very high security contribution compared to other allies. Despite this, Trump continues to label South Korea as a 'security free rider.'

Analysis suggests that this is not because Korea's defense contribution is actually low, but rather likely a negotiating message aimed at other countries. Trump's approach could strain relations with allies.

Kim Min-seok criticized these remarks as based on distorted information with specific intentions. He added, "Korea's defense contribution is among the highest in the world, and Trump's claims are contrary to facts."

The host explained the situation, saying, "Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, escalating into a trade war where both countries exchange 50% tariffs." This is interpreted as strong economic pressure from the US on its ally, Canada.

He criticized, "I think there's a 100% possibility, and simply put, Trump's current actions are worse than how gangsters manage their turf." This diplomatic approach is characterized by fear, force, and pressure, and a lack of diplomatic justification and flexible options.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok explained, "Trump applied Section 38 of the 1930 Tariff Act, which had been virtually defunct since 1949. The very act of applying this isn't even at a diplomatic level." This involves imposing a punitive tariff of 50%, exceeding the 30% imposed on China, effectively leaving no room for negotiation and presenting unilateral conditions.

Canada immediately announced retaliation against US tariffs. The host reported, "Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliation dollar for dollar, meaning they would impose the same 50% retaliatory tariff on US goods starting September 8, and even called it a 'war' in an official press conference." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that it would impose an equivalent 50% retaliatory tariff on US goods starting September 8, even describing the situation as 'war' in an official press conference.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok explained, "There's a growing awareness that even if military security is maintained with the US, excessive economic dependence on the US must be severed, and this awareness is quite chilling for the US." This public opinion strongly raises the need for Canada to reduce its reliance on the US and secure alternative markets.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok emphasized, "From the perspective of the Russian Aerospace Forces, it's an irreversible catastrophe. Russia currently lacks the capability to rebuild them." This means that the lost strategic assets cannot be restored due to Russia's lack of indigenous production capabilities.

It was damaged in a drone attack by the Ukrainian Security Service on August 28.

Correspondent Kim Min-seok said, "This time, the damage of 12 aircraft was almost entirely caused by drones." This represents a loss of about 30% of the total force, indicating a significant blow to Russia's strategic strike capabilities. Russia is currently unable to produce or restore additional bombers.

Russia's main bombers include the TU-22, TU-95, and TU-160. Correspondent Kim Min-seok explained, "Russia's bombers are the TU-22, TU-95, and TU-160. While the TU-160 is relatively newer and has been upgraded, its numbers are only around 20 to 30." The TU-160 is relatively new but its holdings are extremely limited, at around 20-30 units. Currently, Russia faces a situation where it cannot restore lost strategic assets due to industrial collapse.

This once again highlights the importance of strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

This could put pressure on South Korea's security sovereignty and diplomatic standing.

Some also suggest that these claims might be a form of 'proxy pressure,' delivered through Trump's associates. That is, the analysis is that this is an indirect way of pressuring South Korea, rather than a direct demand.

Existing overseas export contracts must be prioritized, leading to a shortage of production capacity for new aid.

Although Ukraine claims that the justification for Cheongung-II live-fire testing is data acquisition, analysis suggests this is not very effective. Correspondent Kim Min-seok explained, "South Korea is the best country in the world at analyzing North Korean missiles. This is because we are next to North Korea and have already accumulated data on where and how North Korea launches its missiles." This is because South Korea has already accumulated precise missile data through North Korea's continuous missile launch tests. Furthermore, it is emphasized that unnecessary hostile acts should be avoided given diplomatic relations with Russia.