US Department of Defense: "North Korea Kim Jong-un Regime Faces End if Nuclear Weapons Used... Also Recognizes China and Russia as Nuclear Security Threats"

"Forward Deployment of Strategic Weapons, Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence"
"Need to Establish a Four-Party Consultative Body Among Korea, US, Japan, and Australia"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The U.S. government strongly warned through its newly released Nuclear Posture Review report that if North Korea launches a nuclear attack against the United States or its allies, it would lead to the regime's demise. The report also acknowledged the increasing nuclear security threats from China and Russia and mentioned the necessity of forming a quadrilateral consultative body including South Korea, Japan, and Australia to respond to the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, China, and Russia.

On the 27th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense directly referenced North Korea in the '2022 Nuclear Posture Review' released that day, stating, "North Korea does not compare to China or Russia but poses challenges to the U.S. and its allies' nuclear deterrence," and added, "There is no scenario in which the Kim (Jong-un) regime can use nuclear weapons and survive." It further warned, "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the U.S., its allies, or partner countries is unacceptable and would result in the regime's end."

This statement is interpreted as a warning to deter North Korea's actions amid concerns over a possible seventh nuclear test. Earlier, North Korea adopted a nuclear force policy decree at the Supreme People's Assembly in September, declared it would never abandon its nuclear weapons, and has continued military provocations this year through various short-range, medium-range, and long-range ballistic missile tests.

The report also mentioned the nuclear threats from Russia and China. It stated, "Our security commitments to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region remain unchanged," and acknowledged "increasing security concerns due to nuclear and missile developments by North Korea, China, and Russia, and we will strengthen deterrence capabilities in response to these regional security environment changes."

The report hinted at the possible deployment of U.S. nuclear forces and assets. It stated, "The United States will flexibly deploy nuclear forces, including forward deployment of strategic bombers and nuclear weapons, to deter nuclear conflicts in the region." Additionally, it said, "The United States will discuss opportunities to deploy U.S. strategic assets with allies and partners to demonstrate U.S. resolve and commitment."

It also mentioned extended deterrence dialogues with South Korea, Japan, and Australia, adding that practical steps to enhance consultations will be specified. The report noted, "An important goal is to create opportunities for information sharing and dialogue among the trilateral partners of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, or the quadrilateral including Australia," and added, "This could involve high-level regular meetings or reviewing response measures for crisis management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.