US-South Korean Vice Ministers Discuss "Extended Deterrence" Against North Korea

The two countries' nuclear envoys will also meet to discuss cooperation in response to North Korea's recent missile and satellite launches.

Following North Korea's recent moves, especially the failed satellite launch at the end of May, the US and South Korea have been discussing ways to cooperate to counter the threat from Pyongyang. Illustration photo. (Source: Cryptopolitan)

This weekend, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl will visit Seoul to discuss deterrence against threats from North Korea. Deputy Secretary Kahl's visit comes as the US-South Korea alliance is trying to contain Pyongyang's actions and tough rhetoric that have increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula, including a failed satellite launch late last month.

According to Pentagon spokesman Colonel David Herndon, Mr. Kahl is expected to meet with senior Seoul officials and visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.

Meanwhile, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Jeon Ha Kyu said Mr. Kahl will meet his counterpart Lee Jong Sup on June 14 to discuss joint efforts to strengthen the US's "extended deterrence" commitment to using the full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its allies.

In addition, the US Deputy Secretary of Defense will also attend the joint US-South Korea military exercise on June 15, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the bilateral alliance.

Also this week, top US and South Korean nuclear envoys will hold talks in Washington on how to cooperate to deal with North Korea's plan to launch a military spy satellite, among other issues.

South Korea's chief nuclear negotiator Kim Gunn is scheduled to meet his US counterpart Sung Kim on June 12 to discuss Pyongyang's increasing military and nuclear threats.

In a press conference, Mr. Kim Gunn affirmed: "After the failed satellite launch attempt, North Korea threatened to launch again... I am here to assess different (security) situations and discuss how to respond."

In addition, Mr. Kim is expected to discuss with US Treasury officials sanctions against North Korea, as well as the country's cyber threats.

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