Overview

• The Freedom Edge exercise involves advanced air and naval units from Japan, South Korea, and the US, highlighting trilateral military cooperation.
• President Biden's initiative to strengthen ties between the three nations faces uncertainty as Donald Trump prepares to assume office.
• Military leaders stress the importance of these drills in countering threats from North Korea, which has recently tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
• The exercises are part of a broader strategy to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst growing tensions with China and Russia.
• Officials from the three countries express concern over the increasing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, particularly in Ukraine.