Seoul, Tokyo, Washington start new joint military drills

South Korea, the United States, and Japan began major military exercises, "Freedom Edge," focusing on missile and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber training. This follows a summit where the countries agreed to annual drills to counter North Korea's nuclear threats and China's regional influence. The exercises involve assets like the USS Theodore Roosevelt, JS Atago, and KF-16 fighter jets. North Korea, which views such drills as invasion rehearsals, responded angrily, especially after Seoul's announcement followed North Korea's claimed successful multi-warhead missile test.