The U.S. says it supports South Korea’s plan to hold large military operation exercises.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs made the remark during a briefing Wednesday, adding that the exercises have been announced well in advance, are transparent, are defensive in nature and should in no way engender a response from the North Koreans.

Following shooting drills near Yeonpyeong Island, the South Korean military will on Thursday conduct its largest-ever ground and air live-fire drill in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.