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U.S. Commander Advocates Drills Amid North Korea Tensions

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

General Xavier Brunson, the top U.S. commander in South Korea, urges regular exercises to deter North Korea.
His stance contrasts with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s openness to adjusting drills for dialogue.
Brunson warns growing Russia–North Korea cooperation creates new challenges and calls for extended deterrence.
He says meeting operational-control conditions matters more than a timeline, amid rockets and warplanes near Korea.

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Story summary

General Xavier Brunson, the top U.S. commander in South Korea, urges regular exercises to deter North Korea.
His stance contrasts with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s openness to adjusting drills for dialogue.
Brunson warns growing Russia–North Korea cooperation creates new challenges and calls for extended deterrence.
He says meeting operational-control conditions matters more than a timeline, amid rockets and warplanes near Korea.