US Ready to Use Nuclear Weapons to Defend Japan and South Korea

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States on Monday (21/9) reaffirmed its readiness to defend Japan and South Korea using all available means, including nuclear weaponry.

This was stated in a joint declaration announced by the foreign ministers of the US, Japan, and South Korea following a trilateral meeting in New York.

Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks on the same day on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

“The United States reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the defence of Japan and the Republic of Korea, supported by unmatched American military power, including its nuclear capabilities, and reaffirms its commitment to extended deterrence for Japan and the Republic of Korea,” the statement read, as quoted from a US Department of State document.

“The US Secretary of State and partner foreign ministers emphasised their commitment to robust security cooperation,” the statement added.

The three foreign ministers also emphasised a firm commitment to the full denuclearisation of North Korea, as well as the cessation of funding sources for the country’s nuclear and missile programmes, including funding derived from cyberspace.

In the statement, the parties involved noted that