WASHINGTON– South Korea and the US held simulation drills in Washington this week to reinforce nuclear deterrence cooperation, either side mentioned Friday, because the allies are stepping up safety coordination to counter evolving North Korean threats.
Seoul and Washington held the primary desk high simulation of the Nuclear Consultative Group, the allies’ key nuclear deterrence dialogue physique, on Thursday and Friday, Seoul’s protection ministry and the Pentagon mentioned in a joint assertion.
The TTS drills concerned officers from the 2 nations’ nationwide safety, army, diplomatic and intelligence authorities, it mentioned.
“The simulation drastically contributes to the work of NCG, particularly by strengthening the alliance’s method to cooperative decision-making about nuclear deterrence and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula,” they mentioned within the launch.
Through the TTS program, the US reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” prolonged deterrence dedication to South Korea, in keeping with the discharge. Prolonged deterrence refers back to the U.S.’ pledge to make use of the total vary of its army capabilities, together with nuclear, to defend its ally.
TTS adopted the newest session of the Prolonged Deterrence Technique and Session Group, one other bilateral deterrence dialogue physique, in Washington on Wednesday.
The allies’ deterrence efforts got here as Pyongyang has been doubling down on its nuclear and missile packages within the midst of its deepening army cooperation with Moscow, whereas significant diplomacy to curb the North’s nuclear threats has stalled.
Considerations have additionally lingered that the recalcitrant regime may have interaction in provocative acts earlier than the U.S. presidential election in November.
Seoul and Washington launched the NCG in July final yr consistent with the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden issued at their summit in April final yr to strengthen the credibility of America’s prolonged deterrence dedication.
