JEJU ISLAND EXERCISES RESPOND TO N. KOREA’S TESTING & RUSSIAN ASSISTANCE
Beneath the mainland, South Korea has a beautiful secret: Jeju Island. Although a flight from Seoul to Jeju Island will only take an hour and ten minutes, many Americans may not know of the large role the area plays. Spending time at one of the many Jeju Island hotels may make you feel as if you’ve been transported into paradise. However, the surrounding waters help the United States, South Korea, and Japan maintain peace in the Pacific region. Suggested read: Army War College Childcare Investigated for Inappropriate Sexual Acts
Where Is Jeju Island?
Around 281 miles from Seoul, you’ll find Jeju Island in the Korea Strait, south of the Korean Peninsula. The Yellow Sea is to its northwest, while the East China Sea sits below. The volcanic island features Korea’s largest mountain, a shield volcano named Hallasan. Throughout Jeju Island city, you’ll find plenty of places to relax, enjoy fresh seafood-forward cuisines, and be entertained. Throughout the island, there are beautiful beaches, caves, waterfalls, and a plethora of natural beauty. But it’s also near a strategic location that the United States, Japan, and South Korea continue to watch and utilize. Near the island, in its waters, one of the largest joint exercises came to life in early 2024. This was after North Korea continued its threatening ways.
Possibly the Largest Combined Naval Exercise Among the Allies Ever
Off the coast of Jeju Island South Korea, the three allies came together to practice naval exercises. Around the same time frame, officials were meeting in Seoul to talk about Pyongyang’s provocative rhetoric and missile program. North Korea continues to flex its nuclear ambitions, including hypersonic missile capabilities, along with naval attacking threats both above and below the surface. This would prompt the latest joint exercise, though it’s unclear if North Korea’s role in potentially providing the Russians with arms also prompted the exercise. Regardless, there have been plenty of areas of concern. Kim Jong Un continues testing weapons and has declared that the reclusive nation no longer wants to seek a peaceful reunification with South Korea. Before the Jeju Island exercises, North Korea repeated violent rhetoric claiming to use nuclear weapons if provoked. Tensions have risen to higher points than they have been in recent years with the North Korean leader even changing the country’s constitution so that reunification was completely off of the table. In total, the exercises off the coast of Jeju Island included the American aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Under normal conditions, there are usually a total of only five warships for trilateral naval exercises. Related read: South Korea Nuclear Weapons Are a Lose-Lose Situation
Exercises Near Jeju Island in Response to Provocative North Korean Behaviors
The large-scale exercises were a bit more serious than enjoying a delicious cocktail at one of the Jeju Island resorts. In addition to the exercise, the three allies also came together to discuss nuclear defense responses. Representatives discussed the aggressive notions coming from North Korea, a nation with additional struggles stemming from its Russian involvement. Many believe they are supplying the nation with arms for its war against Ukraine. While the exercises still remain focused on nuclear deterrence, preparation, and a show of force, officials were also discussing their possible connection. Kim’s noted relationship with a provocative China is also causing waves in the region. Both countries deny that such arms trades have occurred, but tension remains. The exercises off the coast of Jeju Island may not have focused on the potential European involvement, but the allegations don’t help. Furthermore, the Pacific-based concerns are more than enough to keep attention in the region at renewed highs. Read next: Update: White House Renews Houthis’ Terrorist Designation