South Korea asks the United States to share its nuclear weapons

Oct. 13 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The South Korean government has asked the United States to share its tactical nuclear weapons to strengthen its deterrent power against threats from North Korea, according to the ‘Chosun’ newspaper.

“If North Korea goes ahead with a seventh nuclear test, we will face an entirely new level of threat. We are discussing with the United States ways to radically strengthen America’s extended deterrent,” a senior South Korean government official said.

The South Korean government has in mind the rotating deployment of strategic US military assets near the Korean peninsula, such as a group of aircraft carriers equipped with nuclear weapons or nuclear-powered submarines, the aforementioned newspaper has learned.

“What is being discussed is a South Korea-style nuclear sharing scheme that could avoid triggering protests from neighboring countries and a regional buildup of nuclear weapons,” the official added.

So far, the White House and the US State Department have not commented on the matter, although in recent weeks Washington has shown its support for Seoul after the increase in tensions with North Korea.