His South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol stressed during a joint press conference that peace with North Korea is possible only with a show of force and deterrence. In the event of a nuclear attack, an “overwhelming and decisive response” will immediately follow, including US nuclear weapons, both allies agreed.
Nuclear submarine
Seoul will gain more insight into American planning and strategy and can even provide input for it, Washington promised. South Korea stands by its pledge not to pursue its own nuclear weapons program. The US government has agreed to send a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine to South Korea for the first time since the 1980s.
Communist North Korea’s growing missile arsenal and a possible imminent nuclear test are a cause for concern. Biden’s offer to open negotiations has so far been ignored by North Korea.
More than a month ago, the North Korean leader urged his compatriots to always be ready to carry out a nuclear attack. Kim Jong-un holds the United States and South Korea responsible for the growing tensions in the region given their military exercises in the area.
Don McLean
During the state visit, Yoon Suk Yeol was applauded after he started singing Don McLean’s “American Pie”. After a series of musical performances at the exuberant state dinner, Yoon took over the microphone, write the American media.
After the performance, Yoon received a standing ovation from the audience, which included guests such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, as well as numerous governors and members of Congress.