Recently, a high-ranking U.S. official emphasized the U.S.-South Korea alliance as a “nuclear alliance,” following the signing of new deterrence guidelines. Vipin Narang, U.S. acting assistant secretary of defense for Space Policy, highlighted that extending nuclear deterrence to allies solidifies the alliance, similar to NATO’s relationship with European allies. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced an upgraded “nuclear-based alliance” with the U.S., specifying the assignment of U.S. nuclear assets for missions on the Korean Peninsula.
During a meeting between Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden, reaffirmation of commitments outlined in the Washington Declaration of 2023 was made to enhance nuclear deterrence in Korea. The joint statement released post-meeting reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to extended deterrence with South Korea. Narang, co-chair of the Nuclear Consultative Group, signed new guidelines with his South Korean counterpart to maintain effective nuclear deterrence policies.
Despite concerns over U.S. extended deterrence following Russia and North Korea’s defense pact, Narang emphasized the evolving nature of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and the need for conventional support from allies.