Shin Beomcheol: "Yoon Did Not Raise the Idea of Independent Nuclear Armament"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's mention of 'independent nuclear armament theory' during the Ministry of National Defense briefing, Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beom-cheol stated, "It is not that we raised the theory of independent nuclear armament," emphasizing close cooperation between South Korea and the United States for extended deterrence.

Vice Minister Shin appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 12th and said, "Assuming 'if the situation worsens,' we can consider various things from the perspective of our right to survival, but ultimately, it was a reference to extended deterrence."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although President Yoon reportedly raised the topic of 'independent nuclear armament' during the Ministry of National Defense briefing held the previous day, it was explained that this was based on a hypothetical scenario and did not mean immediate action. Vice Minister Shin said, "From the perspective of the right to survival, if the situation worsens, wouldn't we have to do whatever is necessary? That was a hypothetical situation mentioned," adding, "The President's directive is to solidify the ongoing discussions between South Korea and the United States on extended deterrence to reassure the public."

He also said, "The President did not instruct nuclear armament, and our military is not considering independent nuclear armament as a policy option," adding, "Regarding the President's directive on strengthening extended deterrence, we presented developmental directions through last year's Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), as well as ministerial talks, and the working-level teams are systematically preparing."

Regarding President Yoon's mention of joint nuclear force exercises with the United States the previous day, he said, "It is a matter of how to solidify extended deterrence and enhance credibility," adding, "To increase credibility, both sides need to have close consultations in each field, and currently, terms like joint planning and joint exercises are words we intentionally use in the process of aiming for that."