US And South Korea Agree Key Nuclear Weapons Deal

The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.

As part of the deal, Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.

In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.

The South Korean President, Yoon Suk-yeol, who was at the White House for a state visit, said the Washington Declaration marked an “unprecedented” commitment by the US to enhance defence, deter attacks and protect US allies by using nuclear weapons.

The new agreement is a result of negotiations that took place over the course of several months, according to a senior administration official.

The two sides will also develop a Nuclear Consultative Group to discuss nuclear planning issues.

US President Joe Biden said the Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies’ co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack.

The US already has a treaty obligation to defend South Korea, and previously pledged to use nuclear weapons if necessary. But some in South Korea have started to doubt that commitment and have called for the country to pursue its own nuclear programme.

Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea with Pyongyang developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland.

In the meantime, China is warning against “deliberately stirring up tensions, provoking confrontation and playing up threats”.