<기사제목>Deputy Foreign Minister: "US Confirms Full Military Mobilization Including Advanced Non-Nuclear Forces for South Korea Defense"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Min-jae] At the 3rd Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) meeting, the United States expressed its commitment to provide extended deterrence across all military domains in response to North Korea's threats.

On the 16th (local time), Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding the outcomes of the Korea-US Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) meeting, which was reactivated after five years, stated, “We confirmed the United States’ strengthened and modernized extended deterrence commitment.”

After the EDSCG meeting, Vice Minister Cho explained, “The two countries shared serious concerns about the grave situation on the Korean Peninsula due to North Korea’s preparations for its 7th nuclear test and the legislation of nuclear weapons possession, and agreed to respond overwhelmingly and decisively to any North Korean attack, including tactical nuclear weapons.”

He emphasized, “The United States confirmed that it will mobilize all military capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and cutting-edge non-nuclear forces, to defend us.”

The two countries also “agreed on the need to organically strengthen comprehensive deterrence against North Korea by enhancing the execution capability of extended deterrence, mobilizing all elements of both countries, and discussed specific measures,” adding, “They reviewed the alliance’s extended deterrence posture across all fields and confirmed that the alliance is prepared for any situation.”

He particularly noted, “The two countries clearly stated that if North Korea proceeds with a nuclear test, they will respond with unprecedented firmness and strength in all domains.”

Vice Minister Cho explained, “Regarding extended deterrence, the EDSCG will be regularized as a sustainable cooperation mechanism and held annually, with working-level consultations scheduled for the first half of next year,” adding, “This effectively institutionalizes the diplomatic and defense cooperation system for extended deterrence.”

Vice Minister Cho mentioned that he and Defense Vice Minister Shin Beom-cheol met with Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, the previous day, stating, “At the White House level, we were able to confirm strong extended deterrence commitments and support for the EDSCG.”

Defense Vice Minister Shin said, “We confirmed that if North Korea uses nuclear weapons, it will face overwhelming and decisive responses regardless of scale,” and “The US promised to strengthen cooperation with Korea regarding the timely and efficient deployment of strategic assets in the region.”

He continued, “The United States pledged to provide extended deterrence by utilizing all military domains, including advanced non-nuclear capabilities such as space and cyber,” explaining, “This signifies progress in Korea-US cooperation in new fields such as cyber and space.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.