What would Washington’s ‘extended deterrence’ entail?

Defense ministers of South Korea and the U.S. held talks over North Korea’s latest nuclear test late Wednesday night, during which the U.S. side reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of the peninsula including through its extended deterrence.

Observers said the extended deterrence would entail deployment of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula. They  include B-2 and B-52 strategic bombers, F-22 Raptor or aircraft carrier, all of which pose serious threats to North Korea.

The two sides reportedly considered deploying such strategic military assets in South Korea following North Korea’s landmine attack in August last year to put pressure on Pyongyang.

Defense Ministry officials said details are still being discussed.

The military has upgraded its readiness and has forwarded troops and heavy weaponry to the front line.

Military sources reportedly said there are no abnormal signs from the North Korean side as of yet.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)