A U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, arrived in South Korea as a demonstration of strength against North Korea. The carrier’s visit follows a trilateral maritime exercise with South Korea and Japan. The deployment is part of a bilateral agreement to enhance regular visibility of U.S. strategic assets in response to North Korea’s nuclear program. The move is expected to provoke North Korea, which views the presence of such military assets as a security threat. Meanwhile, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, exchanged messages with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing their commitment to stronger bilateral ties.