U.S., South Korea postpone military drills in bid to bolster N.Korea peace effort

A bilateral agreement on Sunday (November 17)-- as the United States and South Korea announced they'll postpone upcoming military drills--

in an effort to bolster a stalled peace push with North Korea.

Washington has denied the move amounted to a concession to Pyongyang.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK ESPER, SAYING:

"It is important that we all work together, closely to achieve our shared goals. This means looking beyond and overcoming bi-lateral issues that harm our efforts and play into the hands of Pyongyang and Beijing."

The drills would have simulated air combat scenarios and involved an undisclosed number of warplanes from both the United States and South Korea.

They have been reduced in scope and scale in recent years-- but they're still seen as North Korea as a rehearsal for invasion.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. and South Korean militaries would remain at a high state of readiness despite the move.

A bilateral agreement on Sunday (November 17)-- as the United States and South Korea announced they'll postpone upcoming military drills--

in an effort to bolster a stalled peace push with North Korea.

Washington has denied the move amounted to a concession to Pyongyang.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK ESPER, SAYING:

"It is important that we all work together, closely to achieve our shared goals. This means looking beyond and overcoming bi-lateral issues that harm our efforts and play into the hands of Pyongyang and Beijing."

The drills would have simulated air combat scenarios and involved an undisclosed number of warplanes from both the United States and South Korea.

They have been reduced in scope and scale in recent years-- but they're still seen as North Korea as a rehearsal for invasion.

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the U.S. and South Korean militaries would remain at a high state of readiness despite the move.

President Trump on Sunday tweeted directly at Kim Jong Un, replying to a news report that North Korea called Democratic candidate Joe Biden a 'rabid dog.'

Trump wrote, "I am the only one who can get you where you have to be. You should act quickly, get the deal done. See you soon!''