US Department of Defense: "We Will Ensure Deterrence to Prevent Armed Conflict"

"When Threatened Simultaneously by North Korea, China, and Russia, Focus on China's Challenge"

Patrick Ryder, U.S. Department of Defense Spokesperson
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The U.S. Department of Defense reiterated its emphasis on extended deterrence in response to demands for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to counter nuclear and missile threats.

Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the Department of Defense, said at a briefing on the 25th (local time) regarding responses to North Korea's threats, when asked whether "extended deterrence is more effective than deploying tactical nuclear weapons," "We have long-standing relationships with regional allies and partner countries, including Japan and South Korea," adding, "We will work closely with South Korea, Japan, and others to ensure deterrence that prevents any form of armed conflict."

This emphasized the current extended deterrence policy that defends the Korean Peninsula through the U.S. nuclear umbrella, indirectly expressing a negative stance on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons.

Earlier, Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, also stated on the 18th, "Whether the talk of tactical nuclear weapons started with Putin or Kim Jong-un, it is irresponsible and dangerous," and added, "Extended deterrence means the U.S. will use all capabilities, including its nuclear forces, to protect, and no one should doubt our resolve."

On the same day, Ryder addressed questions about responses if threats arise simultaneously from North Korea, China, and Russia, saying, "As emphasized in the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy, we will focus on the challenge from China, but Russia, North Korea, and Iran are also important in terms of our security and defense posture," and "We have the capability to secure the interests of the U.S. and its allies."

When asked about the meaning of Ned Price, State Department spokesperson’s statement the previous day that "we are prepared to adjust military posture in the short and long term to strengthen defense and deterrence necessary to respond to North Korean provocations and protect regional allies," Ryder responded bluntly, "There is nothing to announce today regarding changes in military readiness."

He further explained, "We keep our commitments and work closely with allies to guarantee security while maintaining a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region."

Meanwhile, Ryder also mentioned that a new National Defense Strategy (NDS) will be released soon. Previously, the Biden administration unveiled the National Security Strategy (NSS), which oversees overall national security, and accordingly, the National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), and Missile Defense Review (MDR) are expected to be released shortly.

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