Government to Promote 'Timely and Coordinated Deployment of Strategic Assets' with the United States

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Discusses Concrete Cooperation Measures to Strengthen Extended Deterrence Including US Strategic Assets in South Korea
Political Circles Raise Voices for Nuclear Sharing

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Our government has begun considering the promotion of ‘timely and coordinated deployment of strategic assets’ with the United States in response to North Korea's nuclear threat.

At a regular briefing on the 13th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-seok was asked whether discussions are underway regarding the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons or nuclear sharing with the U.S. He replied, “South Korea and the U.S. are discussing specific cooperation measures to strengthen extended deterrence, including the timely and coordinated deployment of U.S. strategic assets.”

Spokesperson Lim emphasized, “In the serious situation where North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities, our government is maintaining a robust ROK-U.S. defense posture to protect the lives and safety of our people.”

He added, “The two countries are closely consulting on ways to enhance the effectiveness of extended deterrence through the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) and other channels.”

Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Shin Beom-cheol appeared on a radio broadcast the same day and stated, “Rather than redeploying tactical nuclear weapons, it is most desirable to deter North Korea by timely and coordinated deployment of currently available U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula.”

However, Deputy Minister Shin drew a line regarding proposals to permanently station U.S. strategic bombers, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines deployed in Guam around the Korean Peninsula, saying, “That level I would like to call nuclear sharing,” but added, “(The current discussions) are not at that level.”

Voices demanding the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons or the introduction of nuclear sharing similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) model have been emerging mainly in the political sphere in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements, which have recently become a tangible threat.

However, diplomatic circles observe that the possibility of the U.S. responding positively is low because such measures differ from the U.S. government’s long-standing nuclear non-proliferation policy and direction.

When asked whether China or neighboring countries have conveyed opinions regarding the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, a Foreign Ministry official responded, “As far as I know, not yet.”

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