The US and South Korea have reached a landmark agreement to counter the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Under the Washington Declaration, the US has agreed to periodically deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations. In return, South Korea has agreed not to develop its own nuclear weapons.
The agreement will enhance the allies’ cooperation in deterring a North Korean attack, according to US President Joe Biden. Some in South Korea had previously called for the country to pursue its own nuclear program, but the new agreement is expected to dissuade such efforts. China has criticized the deal, warning against “deliberately stirring up tensions, provoking confrontation and playing up threats.”