S. Korea needs to consider nuclear armament as way to diversify options against NK nukes: think tank
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a press conference following their talks in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19. Reuters-Yonhap
South Korea needs to consider various options to tackle North Korea's nuclear issue, including Seoul's arming itself with its own nuclear weapons, a state-run think tank said in a report Sunday, amid heightened concerns raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest visit to Pyongyang.
The Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) made the suggestion amid growing concerns that Washington's extended deterrence is not enough to deal with North Korea's evolving nuclear threats, now that Pyongyang and Moscow signed a treaty that calls for offering military assistance without delay if either comes under attack.
"Putin indirectly recognized North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons in a way that bluntly flouts the U.N. Security Council's sanctions against Pyongyang," the INSS said. "North Korea is expected to strengthen its push to win recognitions from China and other countries that it is a nuclear state."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin signed a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership to expand cooperation in military and other fields after summit talks on Wednesday. The treaty could be seen as warranting automatic military intervention in the event of aggression on either country.
The INSS voiced concerns that the United States may seek a freeze in North Korea's nuclear program or nuclear disarmament talks with Pyongyang if it resumes diplomacy with North Korea after the presidential election in November.
"Along with consistent efforts to strengthen Washington's extended deterrence, the South Korean government should consider various options, ranging from the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons, NATO-style nuclear sharing and South Korea's nuclear armament to Seoul's efforts to build potential nuclear capabilities," it said.
Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full-range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend an ally. (Yonhap)