The United States and South Korea are taking steps to bolster their nuclear deterrence against North Korea, according to Biden administration officials who announced the “Washington Declaration“ on Wednesday.
The U.S. is deploying strategic assets to South Korea and will host a nuclear ballistic submarine in the country for the first time in four decades, while South Korea will pledge not to develop a nuclear weapons program.
The commitments come as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visits Washington for a bilateral meeting and a state dinner with President Biden.
“We must make our deterrence more visible through the regular deployment of strategic assets,” an official said.
The announcement also included details of joint U.S.-South Korean military training and simulations, and the creation of a “Nuclear Consultative Group“ to focus on nuclear and strategic planning issues.
The two countries also highlighted their security cooperation in the Indo–Pacific region, their support for Ukraine amid Russia‘s invasion, substantial South Korean investment in the U.S., educational initiatives, cultural connections, and cooperation on issues regarding green technology.
In addition, a new student exchange program, volunteer initiative, and executive training program in technology for mid–career professionals were announced.
The Biden administration‘s announcement comes as tensions between North and South Korea remain high, with the North continuing to test its nuclear capabilities and escalating its rhetoric against the South.
The U.S. and South Korea are hoping that the increased presence of American strategic assets in the region will deter North Korea from launching a nuclear attack on the South.
“We are sending a strong signal to North Korea that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is rock–solid and that we are prepared to defend our ally,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Biden administration is also encouraging North Korea to pursue diplomacy and diplomatic engagement, rather than its current path of provocations and threats.
“The Biden administration remains committed to a diplomatic solution that can lead to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and lasting peace and security,” Blinken said.
