DPRK condemns decision of US and Republic of Korea to sign a joint document on common principles in the field of nuclear deterrence and believes that in this way the countries are accelerating preparations for nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula.
"The signing by the US and ROK military departments of the so-called Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations Guide on the Korean Peninsula after the NATO summit in Washington proved a dastardly plan to accelerate preparations for nuclear war against North Korea by integrating US nuclear forces and the old armed forces of the Republic of Korea”, said a statement from a representative of the DPRK Ministry of Defense, released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"The Ministry of Defense of the DPRK strongly condemns and rejects the reckless provocative actions of the United States and the Republic of Korea, which push military tensions in the region to the brink with extremely annoying and vicious rhetoric and effective provocations. The nuclear threat from our adversaries, which is increasing day by day, and the dangerous situation that has arisen in the region require further enhancement of the DPRK's nuclear deterrence readiness,“, the ministry added.
In 2023, the presidents of the United States and South Korea, Joe Biden and Yun Seok-yeol, adopted a declaration that listed steps aimed at demonstrating deterrence capabilities. In particular, the countries established a consultative group on nuclear planning issues. They also seek to increase the frequency of transfers of US strategic weapons south of the Korean Peninsula and expand the scope of joint exercises.
After the NATO summit in Washington, the US and South Korea signed a joint document on common principles in the field of nuclear deterrence. It provides guidance to the authorities and militaries of both countries to ensure a “credible and effective nuclear deterrence policy and capability”. The Parties also decided to continue to improve the effectiveness of the Consultative Group, including by expanding the exchange of information.