US envoy stresses extended deterrence in countering NK threats

Goldberg praises Yoon’s efforts for reconciliation with Japan

The United States will continue to build extended deterrence and show its ironclad commitment to South Korea’s security amid North Korea’s growing provocations, according to U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Philip Goldberg, Thursday.

He made the remarks during the 12th ROK-U.S. Alliance Forum, hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) and the Korea Defense Veterans Association, themed on the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, South Korea’s official name.

“We are in discussions with the South Korean government about how to further reassure the Korean people and the government about our ironclad commitments, which includes an extended deterrence, our nuclear capability,” Goldberg

said in response to a question about his view on whether South Korea should develop its own nuclear capability in the face of the North’s intensifying missile threats.

Extended deterrence refers to the commitment to use a full range

of capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to deter attacks on allies. The U.S. has been providing extended deterrence — also known as the nuclear umbrella — to South Korea since 1991, when it removed all of its nuclear assets from the

Korean Peninsula.

However, the advancement of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile prowess has prompted doubts from many South Koreans about the U.S.’ commitment to extended deterrence. Such skepticism has led to calls for Seoul to build its own nuclear weapons out of necessity or for the redeployment of American tactical nuclear weapons here.

The idea seems to be gaining stronger support, especially after North Korea on Tuesday revealed photos of its Hwasan-31, which appeared to be a miniaturized nuclear warhead.

Goldberg, who said that such opinions from the Korean public are “understandable given the threats and provocations from North Korea,” did not directly comment on the issue.

However, in a press conference held last October, the top envoy made it clear that the U.S. opposes the redeployment of tactical nuclear arms in South Korea.

At Thursday’s event, Goldberg highlighted that during the last 70 years, bilateral relationships between the two countries have expanded well beyond their traditional security relationship, to encompass business and industry, civil society, the arts, culture and academia.

“In 2023, it is also true to say that the character of our alliance has fundamentally changed. It is an exciting time in our bilateral relationship, as we redefine shared security with a comprehensive global partnership that addresses the full spectrum of emerging threats, while creating new opportunities to promote prosperity and democratic values,” he said.

Regarding the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, Goldberg said, “We all want a better situation and a better conversation with China. But we also have to be realistic about what China is doing in the region.”

He went on to say that Washington will not remain silent about issues such as Beijing’s increasing threats against democratic Taiwan and repression of ethnic minorities.

Meanwhile, he commented that the Korean president’s effort for reconciliation with Japan “deserves great credit,” as it has created an atmosphere for trilateral relations between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

“We understand that some of the issues between South Korea and Japan deal with a very painful period in Korean history. At the same time, we want to look to the future where two modern democratic countries can work together with the U.S. and with other democratic countries to further our mutual security.”