SOUTH KOREA NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE A LOSE-LOSE SITUATION


By bblouin
south korea nuclear weapons

South Korea nuclear weapons don’t exist… yet. An unfortunate development that is sure to affect the United States, Asia, and the entire world is now seeing that America and South Korea seem to be moving toward joint planning and training involving U.S. nuclear weaponry. This comes on the heels of provocative moves by North Korea, as well as President Joe Biden, denying that such exercises were in discussion. Suggested read:How Many Nukes Does China Have and How Did We Get Here?

Does South Korea Have Nuclear Weapons?

No, South Korea nuclear weapons don’t exist for now. South Korea has been committed to nonproliferation and used the United States and its protection instead. Overall, the two nations have worked as allies since 1953 in such a capacity. But the continuation of this is, unfortunately, being threatened. Ever since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to produce nuclear weapons with South Korea as its target at the start of 2023, things have continued to change. According to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, both the U.S. and his country were moving toward joint planning and training focusing on the use of American nuclear assets. Despite Yoon’s statement, the White House denied that such exercises were in play only a day later.

Does the U.S. Have Nuclear Weapons in South Korea?

No, the U.S. does not have nuclear weapons in South Korea and hasn’t since the early 1990s after working to lower tension in the region and with the Soviet Union. Since removing its tactical nukes, the Korean peninsula has not had American nuclear weapons. However, things are changing and becoming more complicated, and South Koreans are mulling over the idea of having their own nuke. Tensions are rising, and the provocative nature of North Korea continues to ramp up its threats. This is causing South Korea to consider a larger role in controlling the nuclear weapons the U.S. uses to protect it. Perhaps even creating their own.

North Korean Threats May Change the Game

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) wants nuclear weapons. It has for quite some time, and the list of reasons continues to grow. North Korea nuclear weapons pursuits include:

  • Deterring attacks and invasions from rival nations. Namely, the United States of America.
  • North Korea ballistic weapons can also help the isolated nation barter to remove the many sanctions placed upon the country throughout the years.
  • There is also a desire for North Korea to influence geopolitical arenas worldwide. Nuclear weapons can help it be taken more seriously.
  • The country also wishes to unify the Korean peninsula, an idea that is increasingly difficult to imagine without entering an international war of some scale.

From an international standpoint, various sanctions ranging from economic, trade, arms embargoes, and travel bans have all been implemented. Adding nukes in South Korea is also likely frowned upon, as it will be seen as a provocation by North Korea. Regardless, as North Korea vows to escalate the nuclear threat against the South, it’s clear that there is a shift in the thought of South Korea’s involvement with nuclear weapons in the region. There are around 29,000 American troops stationed in South Korea with around another 50,000 troops in Japan. This is part of the protection that includes America’s nuclear umbrella that South Koreans receive from the United States.

South Korea Nuclear Weapons Could Become an Unfortunate Domino Effect

For South Korea to have nukes, it would be a major shift and take plenty of consideration. Many experts believe that such talks involving even exercises that are or aren’t going on between the nations are likely done unofficially to allow both sides to confirm or deny as needed. But if such exercises do occur, North Korea could easily escalate things further. Adding nuclear weapons to the region can have plenty of negative consequences, including destabilization of the area. This could also be creating an arms race where other nations feel they need either more conditions from the U.S. or nuclear weapons themselves. Overall, South Korea nuclear weapons may become necessary, but no matter what, it’s far from an encouraging sign of world peace. Even the country’s interest in growing its role with the weapons is a discouraging sign in the region. However, it's an unfortunate reality we all now face. Read next:Newest Space Force Korea Unit Highlights Growing North Korea Threat


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