Status: 01/31/2023 3:39 p.m
After the recent North Korean missile tests, South Korea and the USA want to strengthen their military cooperation. The defense ministers of both countries are relying on “extended deterrence” – which does not exclude nuclear weapons.
In view of the growing tensions with North Korea, the USA and its ally South Korea want to further expand joint military exercises this year. This was announced by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong Sup in Seoul.
The aim is above all to strengthen the exchange of information as well as joint planning and consultations in order to respond to the threats from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles. Austin accused North Korea of ”a series of unprecedented provocations” over its testing of nuclear-capable missiles last year. These would aim to destabilize the region.
As in 2022, the United States would again send strategic weapon systems such as fighter jets and aircraft carriers to the Korean peninsula, Austin said. In addition to new maneuvers, military simulation games are also planned. “We want to leave no stone unturned.”
Observers fear a harsh reaction from Pyongyang
Observers fear that new military maneuvers by the US and South Korean forces could again trigger a tough response from North Korea, including new missile tests. Experts have long been expecting that Pyongyang could undertake a new nuclear test. North Korea regularly accuses the United States of preparing an attack through its maneuvers in South Korea. This is denied by Seoul and Washington.
“Extended deterrence” is at the heart of US security commitments, said Austin, who arrived in South Korea on Monday. By this, the US understands the “full range” of its military capabilities to defend South Korea – including nuclear weapons.
The USA and South Korea are planning maneuvers again in 2023 – but also military simulation games.
Consultations on “Effective and Strong” Deterrence
Despite assurances from Washington, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for closer consultations on an “effective and strong” enhanced deterrent at a meeting with the US minister. Such discussions could “allay South Korean concerns about nuclear threats from North Korea,” Yoon was quoted as saying by a spokeswoman.
The conflict on the Korean peninsula has intensified considerably since last year. Despite being banned by UN resolutions, North Korea has increased the scope and speed of its missile tests. South Korea and the US resumed full-scale military exercises. Austin emphasized that the long-term goal of the USA and South Korea remains the “denuclearization of the Korean peninsula” – by which the complete and verifiable disarmament of North Korea is meant.
Corresponding negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have made no progress since a failed summit between North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump in February 2019 in Vietnam.