{"id":2205576,"date":"2024-06-26T08:00:26","date_gmt":"2024-06-25T23:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2205576"},"modified":"2024-06-25T18:09:56","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T09:09:56","slug":"south-korean-conservatives-revive-nuclear-weapons-talk-amid-regional-tensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/06\/south-korean-conservatives-revive-nuclear-weapons-talk-amid-regional-tensions\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korean conservatives revive nuclear weapons talk amid regional tensions"},"content":{"rendered":"
Several prominent conservative South Korean politicians have called for the country to develop nuclear weapons capabilities, citing concerns over North Korea\u2019s nuclear program and <\/span>increased military cooperation with Russia<\/span><\/a>. Former ruling party interim leader <\/span>Han Dong-hoon<\/span><\/a>, Daegu Mayor <\/span>Hong Jun-pyo<\/span><\/a>, People Power Party lawmaker <\/span>Na Kyung-won<\/span><\/a> and former land minister <\/span>Won Hee-ryong<\/span><\/a> all advocated for South Korea to pursue nuclear armament or potential nuclear capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n The statements come amid heightened tensions following last week\u2019s <\/span>comprehensive strategic partnership treaty<\/span><\/a> between North Korea and Russia offering mutual military assistance. The three conservatives argued that relying solely on U.S. extended deterrence has limitations given the changing global security situation. Some suggested revising the U.S.-South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement to allow for nuclear material reprocessing, while others proposed withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) for self-defense purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n Tuesday\u2019s calls for nuclear armament by the four conservative politicians coincided with the 74th anniversary of the Korean War\u2019s outbreak, highlighting lingering security concerns. With <\/span>three<\/span><\/a> of those politicians vying for the ruling People Power Party\u2019s leadership, this rhetoric reflects growing mainstream advocacy for nuclear weapons in South Korea, despite U.S.-ROK efforts to strengthen <\/span>extended deterrence<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n These developments may lead some in the U.S. to <\/span>conclude<\/span><\/a> that no amount of assurance will assuage South Korean fears of abandonment. Moreover, this growing perception among South Korean leaders could challenge the effectiveness of initiatives like the <\/span>Washington Declaration<\/span><\/a> and the Nuclear Consultative Group, potentially undermining trust in U.S. commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n