VOA慢速英語: 朝鮮方面對(duì)美韓的軍事演習(xí)作出回應(yīng)

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The United States and South Korea are carrying outtheir yearly joint military training. North Korea has reacted to the exercises, as in years past, with missile launches. However, a North Korea sympathizer in Seoul also carried out an unexpected attack on the U.S.ambassador to South Korea.

The U.S. and South Korea say the joint training is necessary to show military readiness and resolve. But the exercises also increase tensions and the possibility of conflict on the Korean peninsula.

About 10,000 South Korean troops and 8,000 U.S.troops take part in the land, sea and air operations. Thesoldiers also use computer simulations to practicehow to answer possible attacks or invasions from NorthKorea.

U.S. Rear Admiral Lisa Franchetti says these aredefensive exercises only.

“Our goal is to be able to work together to deter anytype of activity by North Korea and if necessary todefend the Republic of Korea."

North Korea has protested the training. The country’s government says the U.S. and South Korea are planning a possible invasion. North Korea hasanswered with two missile launches.

Daniel Pinkston is a North Korea expert with the International Crisis Group. Heagrees the exercises may increase some tensions in the area. But he saysthey also keep the peace by showing military strength.

He says North Korea uses force as the tool to solve political disputes insideand outside the country. So, he says, if the government sees weakness it willexploit that weakness.

Mr. Pinkston says he is most concerned that North Korean operationalcommanders may incorrectly understand the purpose of the joint exercises. He says those commanders have been conditioned to believe that the UnitedStates and South Korea are planning to invade North Korea.

The recent knife attack on the U.S. ambassador did not cause a wider conflict. The ambassador was not seriously hurt and the South Korean attacker is notbelieved to be connected to North Korea. However, North Korea called theattack a just punishment for the joint military training.

I’m Caty Weaver.

VOA correspondent Brian Padden reported this story from Seoul, SouthKorea. Caty Weaver wrote it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was theeditor.

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Words in This Story

resolve – n. a strong determination to do something

simulation – n. something that is made to look, feel, or behave like something else especially so that it can be studied or used to train people

deter – v. to prevent (something) from happening

exploit – v. to make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage