U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin will visit South Korea from the 30th and exchange views with Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop on strengthening "extended deterrence" to protect allies with deterrence such as U.S. nuclear forces in relation to the response to North Korea. outlook.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin arrived at Osan Air Force Base near Seoul on the afternoon of the 30th, and is scheduled to hold talks with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop on the 31st to discuss how to deal with North Korea. .
With regard to North Korea, in a speech at the end of last year, General Secretary Kim Jong-un indicated that he would mass-produce tactical nuclear weapons and rapidly increase the number of nuclear warheads in possession, further spurring nuclear and missile development. The posture of putting on is made clear.
For this reason, at the meeting, we are expected to exchange opinions on strengthening "extended deterrence" that protects allies with deterrence such as the United States' nuclear forces, and I would like to show that the United States is unwaveringly involved in regional stability.
In addition, the United States and South Korea are deepening their cooperation next month, such as conducting a map exercise assuming a nuclear threat from North Korea, and it is expected that discussions will be held on concrete measures to strengthen deterrence. .