In this way, according to Deputy Security Advisor Kim Tae-hyo, the countries are trying to discourage North Korea from using nuclear weapons. “If North Korea launches a nuclear strike, it will mean the end of Kim Jong-un’s regime,” Kim said. “The United States and South Korea will have an overwhelming response to any form of North Korean aggression.”
The cooperation also provides that the United States will explore ways to share nuclear assets with South Korea and to use South Korea’s non-nuclear assets in a joint operation. Additionally, the United States has indicated that it intends to put pressure on North Korea for a longer period of time as a deterrent. Kim: ‘Based on discussions with our ally, we have concluded that we do not need to develop our own nuclear weapons.’
American commitment
Additionally, the United States has pledged to regularly station or deploy nuclear assets in South Korea should the situation arise. North Korea has long used threatening language and also regularly conducts missile tests. South Korea had previously called on China to take a constructive stance on the North Korean threat.
Japan also appears to be interested in increased cooperation with South Korea and the United States, according to Kim. He says that a trilateral summit between the three countries will most likely be organized in August.