The South Korean Ministry of Defense announced that South Korea and the United States have modified a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring nuclear and missile threats from North Korea during talks on Monday. The tailored deterrence strategy is intended to counter North Korea's nuclear weapons threat and other weaponry, according to a statement regarding the agreement established between the two countries ten years ago.
The ministry stated that South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin signed the updated agreement during security discussions held in Seoul. It added that the revision is deemed necessary as the current strategy has not adequately addressed the rapid advancements in North Korea's missile and nuclear threats. The Ministry of Defense did not immediately disclose the details of the update.
Earlier, the South Korean Ministry of Defense indicated that Shin and Austin would jointly discuss ways to counter the threats posed by North Korea, including through the implementation of an "extended deterrence" strategy. This strategy, which stipulates that the United States will utilize strategic military assets, including nuclear forces, to defend its allies, has gained increased significance as North Korea progresses with its missile and nuclear programs.
