South Korea has issued a strong warning to North Korea, declaring that the regime will face its “end” if it ever carries out a nuclear strike. The statement from Seoul’s Defense Ministry came in response to recent developments in the North, where officials have pledged to enhance their nuclear arsenal and enshrine it in the country’s constitution.
According to the Defense Ministry, South Korea and the United States have a combined military readiness posture that can overwhelmingly respond to any attack from North Korea. They emphasized that if North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will result in the end of the regime.
The statement highlighted that Pyongyang’s nuclear forces pose a grave threat to peace and stability in the region. It also warned that North Korea will face further isolation from the international community if it continues on its current path.
The heightened tension between the two Koreas arose after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced during a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly that the pursuit of nuclear arms has become a permanent law of the state. Kim stated that these weapons are essential to deter war and protect peace on a regional and global level.
This new constitutional amendment follows the decision made by the legislative body last year, which codified Kim’s nuclear weapons policy as irreversible. North Korea has consistently rejected appeals from South Korea and the US to abandon its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Kim has also vowed to significantly increase the production of warheads.
In response to the escalating tensions, the South Korean Defense Ministry’s statement emphasized the close ties with the United States, which has a significant military presence in the country. They assured that Washington would come to their aid in the event of a conflict with North Korea.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has previously echoed similar sentiments, warning that North Korea would face its end if it employs nuclear weapons. He also emphasized the strong partnership with the US, which maintains nearly 30,000 troops in South Korea.
The ongoing tensions between the two Koreas have resulted in intensified missile tests and military exercises by both sides. Despite repeated complaints from Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul have continued to conduct these war games around the Korean Peninsula.
The future remains uncertain as the rhetoric between the two Koreas escalates. South Korea’s vow to overwhelmingly respond and the assurance of support from the US indicates a strong stance against any potential aggression from North Korea. However, the possibility of peaceful resolutions and diplomatic negotiations should not be overlooked as tension continues to mount in the region.
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