WASHINGTON — In a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit, U.S. President Joe Biden assured South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol that the United States is fully committed to deterring North Korea and has the capability to do so. The two leaders also authorized a guideline for an integrated system of extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, which aims to counter any nuclear or military threats from North Korea.
Speaking at a briefing in Washington, Yoon’s deputy national security adviser, Kim Tae-hyo, announced that the guideline formalizes the deployment of U.S. nuclear assets on and around the Korean Peninsula. “This means that U.S. nuclear weapons are specifically being assigned to missions on the Korean Peninsula,” Kim stated.
The signing of the Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula was also announced in a joint statement by Biden and Yoon. The statement reaffirmed their commitments to the U.S.-ROK Washington Declaration and emphasized that any nuclear attack by North Korea against South Korea will be met with a swift and decisive response.
Cheong Seong-Chang, a security strategy expert at the Sejong Institute, described the new nuclear guideline as a significant step that will fundamentally change the way the allies respond to a nuclear threat from North Korea. However, he also highlighted the inherent limitations of nuclear deterrence and questioned whether the guideline would remain in effect under a change in U.S. administration.
The guideline itself is classified, according to Yoon’s office. This highlights the seriousness of the ongoing nuclear threat from North Korea, which has openly advanced their nuclear weapons policy by codifying their use in their constitution and designating South Korea as their “primary foe.”
Despite repeated reassurances from South Korea and the United States that they have no aggressive intentions towards North Korea, the regime has continued to escalate tensions. This year, they even declared their intention to annihilate their neighbor for allegedly colluding with the U.S. to wage war against them.
In response, both Seoul and Washington have ramped up joint military drills in recent months to demonstrate their readiness to counter any aggression from the North. Yoon also reaffirmed South Korea’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, pledging to double their contribution to a NATO trust fund in 2024.
The trust fund provides short-term non-lethal military assistance and long-term capability-building support, according to NATO. While it did not mention any direct military support for Ukraine, Yoon’s office stated that they are considering providing weapons to Kyiv, a departure from their previous policy of limiting assistance to humanitarian aid.
The commitment to deterrence against North Korea and support for Ukraine demonstrate the strong alliance and shared values between the United States and South Korea. As the threat of nuclear warfare continues to loom, it is reassuring to see the two nations standing united in their resolve to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The signing of the Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula is a clear signal to North Korea that any attempt to use nuclear weapons will not be tolerated and will be met with a swift and decisive response. This, coupled with the ongoing joint military drills and support for Ukraine, reinforces the message that the U.S. and South Korea are fully prepared to defend against any aggression.
Furthermore, the guideline marks a significant step in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, as it formally assigns U.S. nuclear weapons to missions on the Korean Peninsula. This reflects the deep trust and cooperation between the two nations and their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
In a world where nuclear threats remain a constant concern, the commitment to deterrence and the establishment of an integrated system of extended deterrence are crucial for maintaining global security. The U.S. and South Korea have once again shown their strong leadership in this area and set an example for other nations to follow.
The partnership between the United States and South Korea continues to thrive, with both nations working together to address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity. The signing of the guideline and the joint statement issued by Biden and Yoon serve as a reminder of the strong and unwavering bond between these two allies. As the world faces uncertain times, the U.S. and South Korea stand together, ready to face any challenges and overcome them with their shared values and determination.
