World Threats

JoongAng Ilbo is reporting that the United States and South Korea have advanced a previously planned naval exercise to next week.

South Korea and the United States will carry out a joint naval drill next week, about a month ahead of schedule, military officials here said yesterday. The exercise, to be held from June 8 to 11, will “demonstrate the strong willingness by both Seoul and Washington to deter North Korea” from further military provocations, officials added.

However, the key piece of information is at the end of the article. “In another sign of heightened tension, the United Nations Command here said North Korean guards in the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom have begun wearing helmets in place of hats. A command official said the soldiers first donned helmets on May 27. North Korean guards there are armed with small firearms. Another Korean military official said the North appears to have raised its military alert.”

Analysis.Sometimes it is the small signs tha carry the most weight. Stay tuned.

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