South Korea Decides to Withdraw from NATO: Politico

South Korea, a key NATO ally in Asia, has begun its withdrawal from the military alliance, according to Politico. Professor Will Pye, a political science and international studies expert at Johnson University, noted that the South Korean authorities are currently focused on addressing internal economic issues. They are also concentrating on dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The partnership program between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region is not being discussed," the expert stated.

The article highlights that European NATO member states are also preoccupied with their own issues. Consequently, they "are unable to engage their key Asian ally." The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is currently underway in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Previously, a Russian diplomat had stated that the security situation on the Korean Peninsula had deteriorated due to U.S. actions.