[Full Text] Joint Statement of the ROK-US Extended Deterrence Strategy Committee Meeting

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 16th (local time), South Korea and the United States held a meeting of the Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG) in Washington DC to discuss measures to respond to North Korea's nuclear threats and other current issues, and issued a joint statement.

In the statement issued that day, both sides expressed "serious concerns about North Korea sending escalating tension messages related to nuclear use, including the adoption of North Korea's new nuclear policy decree," and stated, "We pledge to continue efforts to use all elements of national power of both countries to strengthen the alliance's deterrence posture."

Below is the full translation of the joint statement (unofficial translation).

『Following the decision by President Yoon Suk-yeol of the Republic of Korea and President Joseph R. Biden of the United States in May, the South Korea-U.S. diplomatic and defense authorities held a vice-ministerial Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG) meeting on September 16, 2022, in Washington D.C. The Republic of Korea delegation was led by Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Shin Beom-chul, Vice Minister of Defense, while the U.S. delegation was led by Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, and Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The EDSCG is a consultative body that comprehensively discusses policy and strategic issues to strengthen the alliance's deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and this was the third senior-level meeting. At this meeting, both sides emphasized their commitment to strengthening the U.S. security commitment to South Korea, enhancing deterrence against North Korea's aggressive actions, and more broadly, using all available means including diplomatic, intelligence, military, and economic tools to respond to the North Korean threat. Both South Korea and the U.S. expressed serious concerns about North Korea escalating tensions and sending destabilizing messages related to nuclear use, including the adoption of North Korea's new nuclear policy decree. Both sides pledged to continue efforts to use all elements of national power of both countries to strengthen the alliance's deterrence posture. The United States reaffirmed its ironclad and unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the Republic of Korea by utilizing military capabilities across all categories including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities. South Korea and the U.S. made clear that any nuclear attack by North Korea would face an overwhelming and decisive response. Both sides confirmed their intention to continue strengthening close consultations between the allies regarding U.S. nuclear and missile defense policies. The United States pledged to enhance cooperation with South Korea to ensure the timely and effective deployment and operation of strategic assets in the region to deter and respond to North Korea and to enhance regional security. Both sides emphasized that the joint F-35A fifth-generation fighter training conducted in July and the upcoming deployment of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the region clearly demonstrate this U.S. commitment. Both sides will continue to seek cooperation measures to strengthen the alliance's strategic readiness through enhanced information sharing, training, and exercises related to nuclear and non-nuclear threats, including better utilization of tabletop exercises (TTX). They also agreed to strengthen ongoing cooperation in missile response capabilities and posture, as well as expanded multi-domain exercise participation, including in space and cyber domains, and to enhance related coordination. The United States reiterated strong support for the goals of South Korea's bold initiatives, and both sides agreed to continue coordinated efforts for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to address North Korea's sanctions evasion and illicit cyber activities using diplomatic, economic, and military means. The two countries emphasized that North Korea's continued pursuit and development of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions undermines regional and global security and stability as well as the international non-proliferation regime. Both sides agreed on the importance of fully complying with and faithfully implementing all relevant Security Council resolutions. South Korea and the U.S. reaffirmed that North Korea's nuclear tests would face a strong and resolute whole-of-government response. The two countries are closely coordinating specific measures for all possible scenarios and are prepared. Facing North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats and increasing regional threats, both sides pledged to continue cooperation so that their strategies and postures, including bilateral exercises and training and trilateral and multilateral cooperation with regional partners, promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides assessed that the third senior-level EDSCG and the B-52 strategic bomber inspection conducted as part of the EDSCG delegation materially contributed to strengthening the alliance's deterrence and enhanced the shared understanding and implementation capability of U.S. extended deterrence. Both sides agreed to hold senior-level EDSCG meetings annually. As part of preparations for the next senior-level EDSCG, a working-level EDSCG meeting is scheduled to be held in the first half of 2023.』

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