U.S.’ increased deployment of strategic assets aimed at reassuring security commitment

• The United States has increased its deployment of nuclear-capable bombers and other strategic assets to South Korea as a reassurance of its security commitment to Seoul and to send warnings to North Korea.
• South Korean and U.S. officials also jointly observed a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test in California. These actions are meant to demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to “extended deterrence” and its readiness to use its full military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend South Korea.
• Tensions have risen due to North Korea’s numerous ballistic missile tests.
• The U.S. and South Korea have thus increased joint drills involving B-52 bombers this year, and a U.S. nuclear-capable submarine visited the Busan Naval Base for the first time since 1981.
• The upcoming defense ministerial meeting is expected to discuss details of the Washington Declaration adopted in April, focusing on information sharing, joint planning, and the joint execution of U.S. nuclear assets. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also plans to visit Seoul for the annual Security Consultative Meeting to emphasize America’s strong security commitment.

External Link : https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231107005400315?section=national/defense