White House "Reaffirming Security Commitment During Biden's Visit to South Korea... Extended Deterrence is Ironclad"

President Joe Biden of the United States [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Joe Biden is set to visit South Korea and Japan consecutively later this month to make stronger commitments to the security of the alliance, the White House announced on the 5th (local time).

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated at a briefing that "President Biden will visit South Korea and Japan to hold talks with newly inaugurated President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida," adding, "There is no doubt that North Korea will be on the agenda."

Psaki said, "The leaders will discuss deepening the security alliance, strengthening economic relations, and joint challenges including the response to COVID-19." She emphasized, "Regarding North Korea's continued destabilizing actions in the region, including multiple intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches, President Biden will clearly reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the security of South Korea and Japan," and added, "He will make greater commitments, including that the extended deterrence guarantee is as strong as steel."

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. extending its deterrence capabilities to its allies when they face nuclear attack threats from third countries, commonly known as the "nuclear umbrella."

Psaki also said, "In Japan, President Biden will meet with Quad leaders, and given the importance of South Korea and Japan in the region, there will also be discussions about North Korea at that meeting." When asked about the possibility of North Korea provocations ahead of Biden's visit to South Korea and the potential impact on his visits to South Korea and Japan, she responded, "There will naturally be security assessments as usual during the President's trip," but added, "However, regarding the trip in a few days, that (North Korea's missile launches) is not a concern."

Psaki further stated, "They will also discuss joint efforts to support Ukraine, which is under Russian invasion," adding, "As you know, South Korea and Japan have participated in sanctions and export controls against Russia."

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with South Korean Minister of National Defense Seo Wook in the morning to discuss issues including North Korea's missile provocations. According to Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend South Korea by mobilizing all U.S. military capabilities for extended deterrence during the call.