South Korea has issued a strong warning to North Korea, stating that if the North uses nuclear weapons, it will result in the end of the regime. The Defense Ministry in Seoul emphasized that there is no scenario in which the North Korean regime would survive after deploying nuclear weapons.
With North Korea conducting ballistic missile tests despite existing bans and threats of preemptive nuclear strikes to defend its territory, tensions have escalated on the Korean Peninsula.
During a meeting in Washington, D.C., President Joe Biden reaffirmed the commitment of the US to its treaty ally, South Korea, including nuclear capabilities for defense. The US Defense Department and South Korean Defense Ministry later signed guidelines for nuclear deterrence and operations on the Korean Peninsula, aiming to integrate US nuclear assets with South Korea’s conventional forces.
In response, North Korea warned of severe consequences for increased nuclear cooperation between the US and South Korea. The allies were accused of preparing for a nuclear war against North Korea, prompting the need to enhance North Korea’s nuclear deterrent readiness.
These guidelines were deemed a necessary measure by South Korea’s Defense Ministry due to North Korea’s continued development of nuclear-capable missiles. Previously, President Biden had made it clear that a nuclear attack by North Korea would be unacceptable and result in the end of the regime.
The guidelines, developed by the US-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group following Yoon’s White House visit, establish protocols for the deployment and usage of American nuclear forces on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea, without its own nuclear weapons, has maintained confidentiality on the content of these guidelines.
Analysts suggest that the US aims to strengthen “extended deterrence,” ensuring its military capabilities deter threats and assure allies, particularly through its nuclear arsenal.
North Korea, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and is estimated to possess around 50 nuclear warheads, has an active but secretive nuclear weapons program. Experts predict a significant increase in North Korea’s nuclear warhead inventory based on the statements and force posture of leader Kim Jong Un.