U.S., S. Korea to conduct joint exercise

WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- U.S. defense officials Monday announced a round of training exercises with South Korea in the wake of last week's reports on the sinking of the Cheonan.

International investigators last week concluded North Korea torpedoed the South Korean frigate.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the U.S. Navy would conduct anti-submarine and maritime interdiction training exercises with South Korea.

"We think this is an area, where working with the Republic of Korea, that we can hone skills and improve capabilities," he said.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak Monday ordered an end to trade with the North and a prohibition against the passage of North Korean ships through South Korean waters.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States and South Korea military leaders are working closely "to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression."

"As part of our ongoing dialogue, we will explore further enhancements to our joint posture on the peninsula," Clinton said during a diplomatic trip to Asia.