[Editorial] Will shift in US nuclear strategy reintroduce tactical nukes to Korea, Japan?

A recent report suggests the U.S. Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that includes the potential use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons in the event of a regional conflict with China or Russia. This strategy would involve the forward deployment of such weapons to South Korea and Japan, two key allies in East Asia.

While this could bolster the U.S.'s pledge of extended deterrence, it could also spark a nuclear arms race and lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The Korean government should closely monitor these developments and prepare for various contingencies. The U.S. strategy, overseen by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, aims to shift away from long-range tactical missiles and focus on short-range tactical nuclear weapons.

The idea is that if a regional crisis escalates, it would be limited to tactical nuclear weapons rather than escalating to a strategic nuclear exchange, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic damage to the U.S. If true, it's highly probable that these short-range tactical nuclear weapons will be stationed in East Asia rather than Europe.

Europe already has nuclear-armed countries like the UK and France, and Germany houses U.S. tactical nukes. However, Korea and Japan would need to make significant political decisions if they were to host these weapons. Korea would need to overturn its 1991 Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and Japan would need to remove a clause from its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, introduced in 1967, which states it will not permit nuclear weapons within its borders.

Given North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities, some in Korea and Japan have been advocating for the U.S. to redeploy these tactical weapons. However, the real concern is the potential consequences of such a move. The deployment could be seen as a threat by North Korea, China, and Russia, possibly leading to an all-out nuclear buildup.

In essence, the U.S.'s attempt to prevent a full-scale nuclear war might paradoxically lower the threshold for using tactical nuclear weapons, potentially leading to a dangerous situation. Ultimately, Korea would face severe repercussions. Seoul must make its stance clear to make informed decisions about the best course toward lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. For inquiries, contact [english@hani.co.kr].