In view of the growing tensions with North Korea, the USA and its ally South Korea want to further expand joint military exercises this year. This was announced by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong Sup in Seoul. The goal is to strengthen the Alliance’s capabilities, including information sharing and joint planning and consultations, to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Austin accused North Korea of ”a series of unprecedented provocations” over its testing of nuclear-capable missiles last year. These would aim to destabilize the region. As in 2022, the United States would again send strategic weapon systems such as fighter jets and aircraft carriers to the Korean peninsula, Austin said. In addition to new maneuvers, military simulation games are also planned. “We want to leave no stone unturned.”
Observers fear that new military maneuvers by the US and South Korean forces could again trigger a tough response from North Korea, including new missile tests. Experts have long been expecting that Pyongyang could undertake a new nuclear test. North Korea regularly accuses the United States of preparing an attack through its maneuvers in South Korea. Both countries dispute this.
“Extended deterrence” strategy
“Extended deterrence” is at the heart of US security commitments, said Austin, who arrived in South Korea on Monday. By this, the US understands the “full range” of its military capabilities to defend South Korea, including nuclear weapons.
Despite assurances from Washington, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for closer consultations on an “effective and strong” enhanced deterrent at a meeting with the US minister. Such discussions could “alleviate South Korean concerns about North Korea’s nuclear threats,” Yoon was quoted as saying by a spokeswoman.
The conflict on the Korean peninsula has intensified considerably since last year. North Korea, which accuses the US of hostile policies, has increased the scope and speed of its missile tests despite a ban by UN resolutions. South Korea and the US resumed full-scale military exercises.
Austin emphasized that the long-term goal of the USA and South Korea remains the “denuclearization of the Korean peninsula”. By denuclearization, the US means the complete and verifiable disarmament of North Korea. Corresponding negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have made no progress since a failed summit between North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump in Vietnam in February 2019.
