JCS Chairman Nominee: "Possessing Nuclear Potential Worth Considering for Strategic Deterrence"

On September 23, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman nominee Jin Youngseung stated that possessing nuclear potential through the revision of the South Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement "could be considered to enhance strategic deterrence."

On this day, Jin made this remark in response to materials submitted by Assemblyman Yoo Yongwon of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, for his confirmation hearing. He added, "The nuclear agreement falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," but still expressed this view.

However, Jin further explained, "I believe that raising nuclear potential is an issue that must be approached with caution, taking into account the sensitivity regarding nuclear non-proliferation and various factors such as economic feasibility."

Jin also addressed China's ongoing attempts to "internalize" the West Sea, such as installing illegal structures within the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) in the West Sea. He said, "Our military is closely monitoring China's activities in the West Sea," and added, "We are meticulously surveilling and tracking Chinese military activities, and we will respond firmly and proportionally to any Chinese military actions."

Regarding recent claims that Russia has provided North Korea with parts for a nuclear submarine module in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war, Jin stated, "The recent strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could lead to the transfer of nuclear submarine technology to North Korea, so we are closely monitoring related developments."

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