US ready to deploy nuclear weapons for S. Korea's protection

The United States is committed to using conventional and nuclear weapons to defend South Korea, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said.

He made the remarks in a press conference with South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup in Seoul on January 31.

"The United States is firmly committed to the extended deterrence commitment, which involves the use of the full range of US military capabilities, including conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as missile defence," Austin said.

He also condemned the actions of North Korea, saying that in 2022 Pyongyang's authorities committed "an unprecedented number of provocations." Austin added that the United States and South Korea believe that North Korea will destabilize the situation in the region.