When the Trump, Kim Jong Un meeting took place in 2019, there was a sense of hope that the two nations were learning to coexist rather than exist as natural enemies. Regardless of political affiliation or feeling, the move signified an effort from two administrations known for their bombastic rhetoric to lean toward peace. But the concessions and goodwill wouldn’t last. Time marched on and while the U.S. would end up forgoing certain military exercises, it’s clear that there have been multiple provocative actions by the secluded North Korean state since then. Now, in April 2023, the U.S. Marines and their allies in the South Korean military are bringing back an important bilateral division-sized amphibious landing military exercise for the first time since 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm8cd5ZJbQM Related: Newest Space Force Korea Unit Highlights Growing North Korea Threat

Twin Dragon Defensive Exercise Was Halted Since Trump, Kim Jong Un Meeting

Hanoi, Vietnam set the stage for the Trump, Kim Jong Un meeting, along with widely publicized exchanges at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). But the fruits of the Kim Jong Un and Trump meeting didn’t seem to ever reach their full potential. Now, military exercises are resuming. Known as the Ssang Yong exercise, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 7, the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Division, and the South Korean Navy are sharpening their skills once more through a defensive exercise aimed at preparation as conflicts in Asia seem more likely. Ssang Yong stands for “Twin Dragons,” but for a while, the beasts had been dormant because, in an effort to foster peaceful relations, President Trump’s meeting with Kim Jong Un aimed to work out a deal for the country to forgo its nuclear and ballistic missiles program. Tests of both cruise and ballistic missiles for the North Korean military grew from four in 2020 to at least 90 in 2022. This includes the country’s claim of successfully testing a 600mm multiple-launch rocket system. Such weaponry could attack South Korea in its entirety with tactical nuclear weapons, a growing concern for the U.S. and South Korea, as well as other allies in the area.

Twin Dragons Could Provoke More Tests

As a result of the United States and South Korea resuming joint amphibious exercises, North Korea is taking it as a clear message that they are taking a united stance against North Korea's provocations. But this could cause even further testing if North Korea’s history is anything to go by. Suggested Read: The Korean War Veterans Memorial Is Riddled With Errors Regardless, such shows of force create a never-ending loop as to why South Korea and the U.S. feel such exercises are necessary. If war is to come, it’s better to be prepared than not. Furthermore, North Korea is only part of the equation. While North Korea remains a top priority, it’s not unreasonable to consider growing concerns from China as tensions rise. There are 28,000 U.S. service members stationed on the Korean peninsula, making it an important region to defend against any conflict involving nuclear powers in Asia. Practice makes perfect and these sentiments are being heavily reinforced as the Ssang Yong exercise starts up again. The Trump and Kim Jong Un meeting failed to make much progress long-term, and now, it’s up to the allies to maintain combat readiness.

Trump, Kim Jong Un Meeting Was a Great Idea, but Staying Ready Is Critical

It’s one thing to think out and plan military exercises, but it’s another to execute them. Some experts are pointing to the absence of combined amphibious exercises for such a period of time, leading to a perceived rustiness on both sides. Even when working within your own military, such operations are complex. Throwing in an ally makes them that much more difficult to execute. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Ssang Yong exercise is a much-needed reintroduction for readiness in the area. There are terminologies to get down, and nuances to rediscover, and the real-life experience is immeasurable. Whatever the Trump, Kim Jong Un meeting attempted to iron out never really picked up momentum, and now, the American-South Korean alliance continues to grow stronger because of the provocative actions taken by North Korea through its constant missile testing. Read Next: How Many Nukes Does China Have and How Did We Get Here?