US and South Korea Reach Nuclear Arms Agreement

Washington has agreed to periodically locate nuclear-based submarines in South Korea, as well as to include Seoul in US nuclear planning operations, reports BBC.

In exchange, South Korea has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons itself.

Washington's statement will strengthen Allied co-operation in preventing an attack by North Korea, said American President Joe Biden.

Concerns have increased in both states over the nuclear threat that North Korea poses.

Phenan has developed nuclear tactical weapons that can target South Korea, and improved its long-range weapons, which can reach American soil.

The United States has but a treaty binding on protecting South Korea, and earlier has pledged to use nuclear weapons if necessary. But some in South Korea became suspicious of this commitment and called for the State to develop a nuclear program.

South-East President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was at the White House for official visit, said Washington's Declaration presents an unprecedented “commitment of the US” to increase defence, prevention attacks and to protect Washington allies by using nuclear weapons.

The new agreement is the result of months-long negotiations, top officials said.

Under the new deal, the US will make its pledge for protection more evident by sending nuclear weapons submarines to South Korea for the first time in 40 years, but other strategic assets, including bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Both states will also create the Nuclear Consultative Group to discuss plans to be made on nuclear issues.

Politicians in Seoul have long demanded that Washington become more involved in planning and when nuclear weapons should be used against North Korea.

“A nuclear attack by North Korea against the US or its allies and partners is unacceptable and would result in the end of any regime that would take such a step”, Biden said.

The US president said the US will continue efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table. But Washington has said that Phenjan has refused certain requests to speak without preconditions.

The US has said it hopes to convince North Korea to give up nuclear weapons, but last year the northeastern leader, Kim Jong Un, said its state's nuclear status is “irreversible”.

Last year, but even this year, North Korea has conducted a series of tests of various ballistic missiles. Such tests are prohibited under UN resolutions.