Biden Responds "No" to Question on Discussing Joint Nuclear Exercises with Han

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Josel Gina] U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 2nd (local time) that he is not currently discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea.

According to the White House press pool, President Biden, who returned to the White House in Washington DC after his vacation on the same day, was asked by reporters, "Are you currently discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea?" and he replied, "No."

This question is not unrelated to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's interview with Korean media released that day. President Yoon stated, "We are discussing the concept of joint planning and joint exercises on nuclear matters with the U.S. for effective extended deterrence, and the U.S. is also quite positive."

However, President Biden only said "No" and did not provide further explanation. Accordingly, there are evaluations that it is unclear what kind of nuclear exercises are being considered.

Joint Planning and Joint Exercises for nuclear force operations were also agreed upon at the 54th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in the U.S. last November, attended by the defense ministers of both countries. Joint Planning means South Korea's participation in U.S. nuclear policy, strategy, operational plans, and rapid deterrence and response measures. Joint Exercises refer to practical training scenarios where the U.S. nuclear delivery strategic assets are supported by the ally with conventional means.

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