South Korea and the United States reiterated their joint commitment to denuclearise North Korea during a crucial bilateral meeting on US extended deterrence against North Korean threats. The Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) held its sixth meeting in Seoul, focusing on strengthening the alliance and extended deterrence in light of North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements. Both countries emphasized the importance of continuing NCG activities to address the evolving security landscape.
The meeting, led by Deputy Defence Minister for Policy Kim Hong-cheol and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of War Robert Soofer, highlighted the significance of denuclearisation in the region. Notably, the absence of any mention of North Korea’s denuclearisation during the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has raised concerns about Beijing’s stance on Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
In a joint statement, South Korea and the US reaffirmed their stance on North Korea’s denuclearisation, underscoring their unwavering position against North Korea becoming a nuclear-armed state. The US reiterated its commitment to extended deterrence for South Korea, encompassing a range of military capabilities to safeguard its ally. Discussions at the meeting also centered on enhancing nuclear deterrence and readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula.
Additionally, the allies signed a security guidelines document to safeguard information related to NCG activities and consultations. The NCG, established in July 2023 under the Washington Declaration, serves as a platform to bolster the US commitment to extended deterrence for South Korea against North Korean nuclear threats.
