US, South Korea issue stark warning to North Korea on nuclear weapons

The United States and South Korea have issued a stern warning to North Korea, stating that any use of nuclear weapons by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) against the US or its allies will be met with a "swift, exhaustive, and decisive response," potentially leading to the fall of the North Korean regime.

The warning came in a joint statement following the fourth Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) between the US and South Korea, held on January 10 in Washington, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The document reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the United States to South Korea’s defence, underscoring that any DPRK nuclear attack would be unacceptable and would result in the regime's collapse.

“The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the ROK is enduring and ironclad.  And any nuclear attack by the DPRK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. The United States reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime,” the statement said

"The US commitment to extended deterrence to the ROK is backed by the full range of US capabilities, including nuclear. Moreover, both sides noted the continuously strengthened extended deterrence cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) through the ongoing work of existing consultation bodies, including the NCG, the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, and the Security Consultative Meeting."

In addition to the warning, the two nations agreed to continue strengthening joint military exercises, incorporating both conventional and nuclear forces to enhance their collective defence capabilities. The meeting also approved the work plan and activities for the first half of 2025, with the next consultative group meeting scheduled to take place in South Korea.

The United States also reaffirmed the commitment to enhance the regular visibility of US strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cara Abercrombie, who is performing the duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, and Cho Chang Lae, ROK Deputy Minister for National Defence Policy.  Other participants included US and ROK officials from the US National Security Council, the ROK National Security Office, and relevant defence, foreign affairs, intelligence, and military authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva