Washington DC – In a landmark joint statement, the United States and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening alliance deterrence against North Korean aggression and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The statement, released following the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) meeting on September 16, 2022, in Washington DC, marks a significant step in the deepening military and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The meeting, led by high-ranking officials including ROK First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Cho Hyundong, ROK Vice Minister of National Defense Shin Beomchul, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Bonnie Jenkins, and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl, is the third of its kind. It serves as a “forum for comprehensive discussions on strategy and policy issues to strengthen Alliance deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Indo-Pacific region”.
Both nations expressed “serious concern over the DPRK’s escalatory and destabilizing messaging related to nuclear weapons use”, particularly following its adoption of a new nuclear policy law. In response, the United States and South Korea committed to employing “all elements of both countries’ national power to strengthen the Alliance deterrence posture”.
The United States reiterated its “ironclad and unwavering commitment to draw on the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and other advanced non-nuclear capabilities, to provide extended deterrence for the ROK”. The joint statement emphasized that “any DPRK nuclear attack would be met with an overwhelming and decisive response”.
In terms of regional security, the two countries highlighted the combined training of fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets and the upcoming deployment of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group as “a clear demonstration of such US commitment”.
The statement also covered the enhancement of cooperation in various domains, including missile response capabilities and the cyber and space arenas. Both sides pledged to “improve coordination and strengthen the Alliance’s missile response capabilities and posture, and continuing cooperation in the space and cyber arenas, to include through expanded multi-domain exercises”.
Reaffirming their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the United States and South Korea agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing DPRK sanctions evasion and illicit cyber activities. They emphasized the importance of “upholding and fully implementing all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions”.
In the face of evolving threats, the two nations pledged continued collaboration “to ensure that ROK and US strategies and postures promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific”. This includes bilateral exercises and training, as well as trilateral and multilateral cooperation with regional partners.
The two sides have agreed to hold the high-level EDSCG annually, with the next engagement scheduled for the first half of 2023, to advance efforts in strengthening Alliance deterrence and addressing the complex security challenges in the region.
This joint statement between South Korea and the United States, issued from the White House, underscores a robust and evolving partnership aimed at ensuring peace and stability in a region facing significant security challenges. The commitment to a strong, multifaceted response to potential threats, particularly from North Korea, highlights the strategic importance of the Korean Peninsula in broader Indo-Pacific security dynamics.
