In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea, the United States and South Korea have signed joint nuclear deterrence guidelines. This development comes in the wake of a defense pact between North Korea and Russia, which has raised concerns in the region.
During a meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington, President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the progress made in their countries' alliance since the establishment of a joint Nuclear Consultative Group a year ago. The group was created to enhance information-sharing on nuclear and strategic operations, with the U.S. retaining control of its nuclear weapons to alleviate South Korean concerns about North Korean threats.
The newly authorized 'U.S.-ROK Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula' are seen as a crucial step in bolstering U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation. These guidelines underscore the commitment to defend South Korea against any nuclear attack by North Korea, promising a swift and decisive response.
The agreement aims to integrate U.S. nuclear assets with South Korean conventional weapons to better counter North Korean nuclear threats. Joint military exercises will be conducted to implement the deterrence guidelines effectively.
While specific details of the guidelines remain confidential, North Korea is expected to react strongly, as it has previously accused its rivals of plotting nuclear attacks. The North's advancing nuclear arsenal poses a significant security threat to South Korea, which relies on the U.S. 'nuclear umbrella' for protection.
Concerns have escalated following a recent defense pact between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling increased cooperation between the two countries. This agreement has been viewed as a significant development since the end of the Cold War.
