Confirmed "Peace through Strength" by ROK-US Leaders... "Overwhelming Nuclear Response and Regime End Result" (Comprehensive)

The South Korean and U.S. leaders agreed on 'peace through superiority of power.' President Yoon Suk-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden exchanged warning messages to the North Korean regime during their summit and adopted the 'Washington Declaration' as a separate document to activate a new extended deterrence system. In the economic sector, both leaders expressed high expectations for synergy through cooperation. Regarding sensitive issues such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act, they chose consultation and coordination over immediate resolution.

On the 26th (local time), President Yoon stated, "The Republic of Korea and the United States have agreed to hold immediate consultations between leaders in the event of a nuclear attack by North Korea, and through this, promised to take a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response using all allied forces, including U.S. nuclear weapons." He made these remarks at a joint press conference held after the Korea-U.S. summit with President Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C., explaining, "Faced with North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, we decided to dramatically strengthen extended deterrence between the two countries to achieve peace through overwhelming superiority of power, not a fake peace relying on the other party's goodwill."

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a state visit to the United States, and U.S. President Joe Biden are shaking hands at a joint press conference held on the 26th (local time) in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Yonhap News

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First, President Yoon formalized the establishment of the 'Nuclear Consultation Group (NCG)' to specifically operate the new extended deterrence system between South Korea and the U.S. President Yoon elaborated, "Now, the Republic of Korea and the United States will regularly consult on ways to share information on nuclear and strategic weapons operation plans in response to North Korean threats and jointly plan and execute operations combining South Korea's advanced conventional forces with U.S. nuclear forces." He added, "The results will be reported to both leaders." Regarding North Korea's nuclear threat, he said, "We have agreed to further develop tabletop simulation exercises to prepare for nuclear crisis situations," and "The deployment of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula will be conducted regularly and continuously."

President Biden also expressed the position that "a nuclear attack by North Korea on the United States, its allies, or partners is unacceptable." He warned that if North Korea carries out a nuclear attack, it "will bring about the end of the regime," adding, "Extended deterrence (enhancement) means that no matter what actions we take, we will conduct more consultations." Regarding the 'Washington Declaration' adopted by the two leaders, he explained, "The Washington Declaration represents advanced measures in extended deterrence to respond to the increasing nuclear threat from North Korea," and "It means taking all necessary efforts to consult with allies when needed." However, he emphasized, "The foundation is to cooperate and consult closely with South Korea." This is also why President Biden responded, "We will not (permanently) redeploy nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula."

In the economic security sector, the focus was on strengthening strategic partnerships. President Yoon said, "We have agreed to conduct close consultations and coordination to further strengthen supply chain cooperation between the two countries in advanced technology sectors through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS Act." President Biden also expressed confidence in a 'win-win' relationship with South Korea. When asked whether policies limiting semiconductor production expansion in China might harm the ally South Korea, he replied, "It was not designed to harm China," adding, "The CHIPS Act is generating significant economic growth in the U.S. and is not harming anyone." He continued, "It is also creating jobs in South Korea?not only at SK but also at Samsung and other industries," and stated, "So I think it is a win-win."

Regarding the advanced technology partnership, it was announced that "a 'Next-Generation Emerging and Core Technologies Dialogue' will be established between the South Korean and U.S. National Security Councils (NSC) to promote joint research and development and expert exchanges in advanced technologies such as semiconductors, batteries, biotechnology, and quantum." Discussions will also begin to expand the Mutual Defense Treaty between South Korea and the U.S. to include cyber and space domains. President Yoon said, "Through a strategic cybersecurity cooperation framework, the Republic of Korea and the United States will jointly respond to cyber threats and deepen cooperation related to information sharing, collection, and analysis." He also introduced cooperation and exchanges for future generations. Regarding the newly launched ‘Korea-U.S. Youth Special Exchange Initiative,’ President Yoon said, "The two countries plan to invest a total of 60 million dollars to facilitate exchanges among 2,023 young people in STEM and humanities/social sciences fields from each country," adding, "It will also include the largest-ever Fulbright scholarship program supporting 200 students."

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