The US and South Korea are expected to hold drills to deal with nuclear threats on the table, but have not announced a specific time.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on January 20 that the United States and South Korea “will hold exercises on the table based on increasingly complex scenarios, focusing on nuclear threats on the peninsula. North Korea”. The timing of the drill has not been announced.
In response to “persistent threats”, Mr. Austin highlighted a series of security efforts from US allies such as expanding the scope and scale of joint exercises, as well as incorporating live-fire operations. .
Mr. Austin also mentioned the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea and Japan, including ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
US and South Korean soldiers practice crossing a river in Yeoju in October 2022. Photo: Reuters.
Minister Austin also warned that any party challenging South Korea or the United States would challenge the entire alliance, while reaffirming the “iron American security commitment” to the Asian ally.
“This commitment includes U.S. conventional, nuclear and missile defense capabilities, as well as the presence of 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea,” Austin said.
The US sent to South Korea “some of our most capable platforms” such as the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters. Minister Austin said this is an important sign of America’s commitment to its ally.
“Rotational deployment of advanced assets to South Korea shows that we are ready to deal with any contingencies. It is also a clear reminder of the unwavering commitment of the United States to South Korea’s security.” Mr. Austin said.
This is Austin’s third visit to South Korea as Defense Minister, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and discussing security challenges, as well as “reaffirming the US commitment to the Republic of Korea”. Nation on Extended Deterrence.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula as the sides hold a series of military activities. The United States, South Korea and Japan have recently held large-scale military exercises. North Korea responds by repeatedly testing new weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently called for an “exponential increase” in his nuclear arsenal. Kim Jong-un also declared last year that North Korea has become a nuclear state and cannot be reversed.
Nguyen Tien (Theo AFP, Yonhap)