The Commitment to Defend the Republic of Korea Remains Unwavering: Pentagon Chief

The United States is committed to its obligation to defend South Korea using both conventional and nuclear weapons. This was announced on Tuesday by Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin during a joint press conference with South Korea's Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop in Seoul, according to TASS.

“Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains unwavering. The United States is firmly committed to extended deterrence, which includes the full range of U.S. military assets, including conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as missile defense,” the Pentagon chief stated.

According to the U.S. Defense Secretary, North Korea conducted an unprecedented number of provocations in 2022. The U.S. condemns these dangerous actions in conjunction with South Korea, which, according to both parties, destabilize the situation in the region.

Austin noted that there are 28,500 American servicemen stationed in South Korea, making it one of the largest U.S. military contingents stationed abroad. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Over the past year, our countries have made significant progress in deepening cooperation,” the Pentagon chief added, emphasizing that the parties have strengthened their response measures and conducted exercises in the face of threats from Pyongyang.

Austin arrived in the Republic of Korea on Monday for his visit.