North Korea issued a threat on Saturday to enhance its nuclear capabilities in response to the newly authorized joint nuclear deterrence guidelines between the United States and South Korea. The guidelines were approved by President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol as a measure to strengthen their readiness against North Korea's expanding nuclear arsenal.
In a statement released by North Korea's Defense Ministry, the country condemned the U.S.-South Korea guidelines, accusing them of revealing intentions to prepare for a nuclear war against North Korea. The statement warned of an 'unimaginably harsh price' that the U.S. and South Korea would face if they continued provocative actions.
While specific details of the guidelines were not disclosed, experts suggest that they focus on integrating U.S. nuclear weapons and South Korean conventional weapons to address potential contingencies arising from North Korean aggression. The allies are expected to develop detailed plans and conduct joint military exercises based on these guidelines.
This marks the first agreement of its kind between the U.S. and South Korea, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to defend South Korea against any North Korean attacks. However, concerns persist in South Korea regarding the implementation of extended deterrence by the U.S., given South Korea's lack of nuclear weapons.
North Korea has justified its pursuit of nuclear weapons as a response to perceived nuclear threats from the U.S. and its allies. Despite assurances from U.S. and South Korean officials that they do not intend to initiate hostilities against North Korea, tensions have escalated due to North Korea's provocative missile tests and threats of preemptive nuclear strikes.
