SEOUL, South Korea - Amid escalating nuclear threats from North Korea and recent developments in international alliances, a South Korean think tank has recommended that the country should evaluate According to Yonhap News Agency, the possibility of arming itself with nuclear weapons. The Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) issued a report on Sunday suggesting Seoul should explore a range of defensive options in response to the perceived inadequacy of the existing U.S. extended deterrence, especially following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang and subsequent treaty with North Korea.
According to the INSS, the treaty between North Korea and Russia, which includes provisions for immediate military assistance if either nation is attacked, significantly undermines the sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council against North Korea. The think tank highlighted Putin’s actions as an indirect acknowledgment of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, which could potentially encourage other nations, including China, to recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear state.
The summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin culminated in a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, enhancing military cooperation and potentially guaranteeing mutual defense. This development has raised concerns within South Korea about the effectiveness of relying solely on U.S. military support, which could shift following the U.S. presidential elections in November.
The INSS report suggests that South Korea should not only rely on strengthening U.S. extended deterrence but also consider options such as the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, engaging in NATO-style nuclear sharing, or developing its own nuclear arsenal. These measures would aim to diversify South Korea’s defensive strategies in light of evolving regional dynamics.