North Korea warns of new deterrent ahead of US-South Korea drills

Seoul, August 14 - North Korea has condemned the United States' proposed new nuclear strategy, warning it lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. The criticism emerged as reports emerged that the Pentagon is drafting a strategy that could involve the use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons in conflicts with China or Russia.

According to a military commentator's piece published by the Korean Central News Agency, the U.S. move towards nuclear superiority could signal a dangerous escalation. The commentator cited unnamed foreign media sources and experts, claiming the U.S. administration is developing a new nuclear strategy focused on enhancing its ability to launch attacks using tactical nuclear weapons to address potential regional disputes with China and Russia.

This, the commentator argued, shifts the U.S. nuclear strategy from a deterrent role to one for offensive use in real wars. The commentator accused Washington of rapidly modernizing its nuclear arsenal with the aim of deploying them in actual warfare and warned that the new strategy could further destabilize the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to numerous nuclear powers.

Additionally, the commentator highlighted the U.S.'s efforts to strengthen nuclear deterrence with South Korea and Japan, noting regular meetings of the Nuclear Consultative Group between Seoul and Washington and the U.S.'s commitment to providing Japan with extended deterrence, including nuclear weapons. The commentator suggested that the first target of the new nuclear strategy may be the Korean peninsula and called for North Korea's right to nuclear deterrence for self-defense, warning that any aggressive actions against Pyongyang would have catastrophic consequences.