US and SK Going Ahead with Naval Exercises

Despite the protestations of the Chinese and the typical reflexive braying of the Norks, the US and South Korea are going to hold major military exercises. The BBC's report:

Mr Gates said the US wanted to show its steadfast commitment to South Korea
The US and South Korea say they will begin a major military exercise aimed at sending a message of deterrence to North Korea on 25 July.

The four-day exercise, in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), will involve 20 ships, 200 planes and 8,000 personnel.

The announcement came as defence chief Robert Gates visited South Korea in a show of support for the US ally.

On Wednesday he and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit the demilitarised zone dividing the Koreas.

Ties between the two Koreas have deteriorated significantly following the 26 March sinking of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, with the loss of 46 sailors.

International investigators say a North Korean torpedo sank the ship, but Pyongyang denies this and has demanded its own investigation.

By: Brant