The United States is prepared to use not only conventional but also nuclear weapons as part of its commitment to defend South Korea.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin informed about this in Seoul during a joint press conference with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-seop.
The senior American assured of Washington’s “enduring commitment” to defending South Korea.
The United States is committed to extended deterrence, which includes the use of the full range of U.S. military capabilities, including conventional, nuclear, and missile defense capabilities. – Austin news agency TASS.
The minister noted that North Korea committed an “unprecedented” number of provocations last year.
According to him, Washington and Seoul condemn these “dangerous actions” that destabilize the regional situation.
According to the head of the Pentagon, there are currently 28,500 American soldiers in South Korea – this is one of the largest US military contingents abroad.
The figure, Austin said, demonstrates his country’s “unwavering commitment” to maintaining peace in the region.
He also noted the fact that over the past year the United States and South Korea have made significant progress in deepening cooperation.
Including, the head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized, cooperation to counter threats from the DPRK.
In particular, Washington and Seoul have stepped up their response and regularly conduct joint exercises, explained Lloyd Austin.
