U.S. and South Korean officials signed new guidelines for nuclear deterrence and operations on the Korean Peninsula on Thursday. The guidelines aim to strengthen the alliance’s nuclear deterrence policy and posture against North Korean threats.

The joint presidential statement reaffirmed that any North Korean nuclear attack against the ROK would face a “swift, overwhelming and decisive response.” It highlighted progress made by the Nuclear Consultative Group, established in April 2023, in facilitating joint nuclear planning and conventional support for U.S. nuclear operations. The guidelines provide principles for maintaining effective nuclear deterrence and build on efforts to enhance information sharing, crisis consultation and combined exercises.