US and South Korea Deepen Nuclear Deterrence Ties

In a reaffirmation of their deepening defense collaboration, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) conducted the fifth meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) on June 10, 2024. The joint gathering underscored the allies’ growing emphasis on nuclear deterrence and strategic planning amid escalating security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.

According to the official “Joint Press Statement on the Fifth Nuclear Consultative Group Meeting,” published on Defense.gov, senior officials from both nations convened in Washington, D.C., to advance their shared commitment to regional stability. U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Defense Policy and Arms Control Cara Abercrombie and ROK Deputy National Security Adviser Seong Il-joon co-chaired the meeting.

The dialogue focused on enhancing the operational effectiveness of U.S. extended deterrence, particularly with regard to North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities. In a tangible display of U.S. strategic readiness, the discussions included plans for the upcoming visit of the U.S. nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee to South Korea in the coming months.

This approach builds on the commitments made during the 2023 Washington Declaration, which emphasized a stronger integration of ROK perspectives into the development of nuclear planning and deterrence policy. Officials confirmed they had completed a comprehensive tabletop exercise earlier this year, examining joint responses to a hypothetical nuclear use scenario by North Korea. The outcome, according to the joint statement, reaffirmed both countries’ resolve to respond decisively, including the potential use of U.S. nuclear weapons if necessary.

The United States reiterated its “ironclad” security commitment to South Korea, asserting that any nuclear attack by North Korea would be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. The statement highlighted that nuclear weapons would be viewed by both nations as a last resort, but left no ambiguity about the consequences of their use.

Both sides also emphasized efforts to more effectively communicate deterrence posture and cooperation to the public. U.S. and ROK officials agreed to launch expert-level working groups aimed at increasing transparency and technical cooperation, particularly around command-and-control protocols and alliance decision-making processes.

This fifth NCG meeting marks a significant step in institutionalizing nuclear deterrence planning between Washington and Seoul. As Pyongyang continues its weapons development program and escalates its rhetoric, the outcomes of such high-level engagements are likely to play a critical role in shaping future policy in the region.