The United States has agreed to periodically deploy its nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations in terms of what has been described a ‘landmark’ deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons, the BBC reports.
The agreement is reportedly the result of a negotiations over several months.
US President Joe Biden said the Washington Declaration would strengthen the allies’ co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a state visit to the US, said the Washington Declaration marked an ‘unprecedented’ commitment by the US to enhance defence, deter attacks and protect US allies by using nuclear weapons.
Both the US and South Korea have been concerned about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea, with Pyongyang developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland.
China responded to the US-South Korea agreement by warning against ‘deliberately stirring up tensions, provoking confrontation and playing up threats’.
Biden said: ‘A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of whatever regime were to take such an action.’
According to the BBC, the US demanded, in return for its protection, that South Korea remain a non-nuclear state and a faithful advocate of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.