Arrival of US Aircraft Carrier in South Korea Amid Rising Regional Tensions
The carrier strike group is set to participate in a new multi-domain, three-nation exercise later this summer.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group have arrived in South Korea for joint naval exercises following a new mutual defense pact between Russia and North Korea.
The warships docked at the naval base in Busan on Saturday morning local time, as confirmed by the South Korean Navy in a statement. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, is accompanied by the USS Halsey and USS Daniel Inouye, Aegis-equipped destroyers.
The carrier strike group will take part in a new multi-domain, trilateral exercise involving Japan later this summer. The exercise, named Freedom Edge, was announced by defense chiefs of the three nations at a regional security conference in Singapore in early June.
This visit marks the first time the USS Theodore Roosevelt has visited Busan, following the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson seven months ago. The South Korean Navy sees this visit as a demonstration of the strong U.S.–South Korea alliance and their commitment to address increasing threats from North Korea.
Recently, Seoul summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea, which includes a pledge to provide military assistance in case of an attack.
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The treaty elevates the relationship between Russia and North Korea to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” outlining mutual military assistance in the event of invasion. This treaty was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang on June 19, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Speculation suggests that Russia may provide military technology to North Korea in exchange for refilling its arms stockpile, potentially aiding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and military capabilities.
The strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang raise concerns for the U.S. and its allies in East Asia, amid accusations of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine.
In testimony to the Senate, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin highlighted the role of North Korea, Iran, and China in supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of these alliances in sustaining Russia’s war efforts.
Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied any involvement in arms transfers.
