The U.S., South Korea, and Japan launched the Freedom Edge military exercise near Jeju Island, aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear threats. The drills, involving air and naval assets, are the most advanced trilateral cooperation to date. North Korea's Kim Yo Jong condemned the exercise as a "reckless show of strength." The exercise follows a separate tabletop exercise exploring the integration of U.S. nuclear and South Korean conventional capabilities. North Korea's continued weapons development and support for Russia further escalate regional tensions.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.