US and South Korea agree key nuclear weapons deal
The United States and South Korea announced a new deal Wednesday that aims to deter North Korea from using nuclear and ballistic missiles.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear arms.
The United States Declaration will strengthen the allies' co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, President Joe Biden said.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland.
The United States already has a treaty obligation to defend South Korea, and has previously pledged to use nuclear weapons if necessary. But some in South Korea have started to doubt that commitment and call for the country to pursue its own nuclear programme.
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