Permanent Deployment of U.S. Strategic Assets
Efforts to Add Nuclear Attack Protection Clause to the South Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty
On May 9, Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, pledged to accumulate nuclear weapon design technology through consultations between South Korea and the United States and to consider the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons if North Korea's nuclear threat intensifies.
That morning, at his campaign office located in the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim announced, "Peace without strong deterrence against North Korea's nuclear weapons is 'fake peace.' Based on the trust between South Korea and the United States, I will safeguard 'real peace' through strength," as he unveiled these policy pledges.
Kim had originally planned to visit the Yeongnam region, but canceled the schedule as the party's situation became urgent. Instead, he chose to clarify his stance on countering North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
Previously, during the People Power Party's presidential primary, Kim had emphasized the need to develop nuclear-powered submarines and equip them with U.S. tactical nuclear weapons as part of efforts to strengthen South Korea's ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear threat.
Kim first pledged to deploy U.S. strategic assets at a level equivalent to permanent stationing, to strengthen South Korea-U.S. nuclear and conventional integrated (CNI) exercises, and to work toward adding a "nuclear attack protection clause" to the South Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty.
He also promised to enhance cyber and electronic warfare capabilities beyond just missile means to complement the Kill Chain, to establish the "Sky Dome" system by expanding the Korean-style Iron Dome, and to increase retaliatory capabilities to strengthen the massive punishment system.
Regarding the enhancement of nuclear potential, Kim explained that, if necessary, he plans to accumulate nuclear weapon design technology based on consultations between South Korea and the United States.
In response to North Korea's development of a ballistic missile nuclear submarine, Kim pledged to develop a nuclear-powered submarine and, if North Korea's nuclear threat intensifies, to consider the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons or a NATO-style nuclear sharing arrangement between South Korea and the United States.
He also plans to consider a method in which the United States would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Guam and operate them for the protection of South Korea.
Kim stressed, "Based on the relationship of trust with the United States, I will build a 'strong Republic of Korea,' a 'Republic of Korea where the people feel secure,' and a 'Republic of Korea trusted by the international community.'
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
