U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has reaffirmed the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance,... noting that recent developments on the peninsula have further intensified that bond.<br /> Referring to a phone call with South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo over the weekend, Mattis said the two sides are maintaining broad collaboration and remain in constant contact with each other.<br /> That sentiment was also reflected by a visiting U.S. diplomat in charge of Korea affairs.<br />Mark Lambert said Tuesday that he does not plan to discuss the withdrawal of U.S. forces in South Korea-- in his meetings with Seoul officials on last week's inter-Korean summit. <br /> Reflecting the strong alliance,... U.S. F-22 Raptor fighter jets have arrived in South Korea for an annual joint exercise.<br />South Korean military officials say the jets will be taking part in the two-week-long "Max Thunder" exercise that begins next week. <br />
