On September 4, 2024, officials from the United States and South Korea met in Washington for the fifth meeting of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG). This annual meeting is a key platform for the two nations to discuss and coordinate their security strategies. The discussions focused on issues affecting the Korean Peninsula and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Key Leaders at the Meeting
The U.S. delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Bonnie Jenkins and Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Cara Abercrombie. South Korea’s delegation was led by First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun and Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Dr. Cho Chang Lae.
The EDSCG has become a vital part of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Both nations work together to strengthen their defense capabilities, with a focus on deterring threats from North Korea (DPRK).
Addressing North Korea’s Missile Threat
A major topic of discussion was North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. Both sides expressed concern over North Korea’s violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. They discussed the dangerous behavior of North Korea near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which could lead to unintended military conflicts.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a fully denuclearized Korean Peninsula, in line with UNSC resolutions. They also discussed ways to better enforce sanctions on North Korea, especially to stop cyber activities that support the country’s weapons programs.
U.S. and South Korea Ready to Defend Against Attacks
The U.S. made it clear that it would use its full range of military options, including nuclear weapons, to defend South Korea if needed. Both nations agreed that any nuclear attack by North Korea would result in a strong and decisive response. They emphasized that the North Korean regime would fall apart in the event of a nuclear strike by North Korea against the United States or South Korea.
The two sides also talked about the growing use of new technologies and how they could impact security. They promised to work together to use their technological advantages to strengthen defense.
Concerns About North Korea-Russia Cooperation
The U.S. and South Korea expressed deep concerns about the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This cooperation includes arms transfers, which violate UNSC resolutions. The two countries agreed to keep a close watch on this partnership and discussed measures to address the threat posed by increased North Korea-Russia security ties.
Commitment to Peace and Diplomacy
While both nations emphasized military deterrence, they also voiced support for peaceful diplomacy with North Korea. The U.S. reaffirmed its backing of South Korean President Yoon’s initiative to open a path for serious talks with North Korea.
Both sides made it clear that they are open to dialogue with North Korea without any preconditions. They urged Russia and North Korea to follow international agreements and respect the UNSC resolutions.
Linking the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic Regions
The leaders also discussed how security issues in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are becoming more connected. This means that what happens in one part of the world can affect security in another. The U.S. and South Korea agreed to continue working together to enhance their defense posture in both regions.
Ongoing Cooperation and Future Goals
Both nations praised the progress made through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) over the past year. They highlighted the importance of this group in guiding the alliance’s nuclear policy. The EDSCG meeting also featured a scenario-based discussion to improve policy planning and coordination between the two countries.
Looking ahead, the U.S. and South Korea pledged to continue using all available tools—diplomatic, military, and economic—to ensure peace and stability in the region. They also promised to counter any misinformation about their extended deterrence strategies.
The meeting reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to upholding regional peace and defending South Korea. Both sides reaffirmed that their alliance remains strong and will continue to adapt to the changing security landscape. The next high-level EDSCG meeting is scheduled for 2025, but cooperation between the two countries will continue to deepen in the meantime.
To read the original news please visit DOD website