US and South Korea Sign Nuclear Guidelines in Response to Growing Threat from North Korea
If North Korea were to launch a nuclear attack on South Korea, President Biden and President Yoon stated that it would be countered with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.
During their meeting, President Joe Biden assured South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol that the U.S. is fully committed to deterring North Korea, utilizing all available capabilities, including nuclear options. This commitment was solidified through the signing of guidelines on July 11 aimed at maintaining a robust nuclear deterrence policy on the Korean peninsula.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the agreement in a joint statement released by the White House during their meeting at the NATO Summit in Washington.
Emphasizing the strength of the U.S.–South Korea alliance, the presidents highlighted the necessity of a coordinated response to any nuclear aggression from North Korea, ensuring a resolute and impactful retaliation.
The signing of the guidelines took place at the Pentagon and was carried out by U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Vipin Narang and South Korea’s Deputy Minister of National Defense Policy Cho Chang Lae, according to a statement by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Mr. Narang and Mr. Lae serve as co-chairs of the U.S.–ROK Nuclear Consultative Group, a collaborative body created to reinforce the alliance between the two countries.
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The guidelines were finalized during the third meeting of the NCG in Seoul in June. South Korea, lacking its own nuclear arsenal, relies primarily on the U.S. for nuclear protection.
Both Washington and Seoul have voiced concerns repeatedly over North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs, posing a significant threat to security.
These nuclear deterrence guidelines were signed shortly after the leaders of North Korea and Russia concluded a comprehensive “strategic partnership” pact, outlining mutual assistance in case of aggression against either nation.
This agreement was signed when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang and was joined by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The pact also includes provisions for enhanced cooperation in various sectors like economics, trade, culture, and humanitarian efforts.
Mr. Putin described the deal as setting the stage for deeper bilateral relations, while North Korea portrayed it as peaceful, defensive, and aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
Earlier in the year, the White House accused Russia of utilizing North Korean ballistic missiles in the conflict with Ukraine, an allegation refuted by Moscow and Pyongyang.
Contributions from The Associated Press
