U.S., South Korea to Step Up Nuclear Deterrence Efforts Against North Korea

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says two countries would expand military drills

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. would expand military drills with South Korea and increase nuclear-deterrence efforts, as he sought to reassure the Asian ally of Washington’s commitment amid growing threats from North Korea.

Mr. Austin said that more U.S. jet fighters would be deployed to South Korea this year and the two countries would hold larger-scale and longer joint military exercises than their previous ones. Mr. Austin, who is on a three-day visit to Seoul, made the commitments during talks with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jong-sup, on Tuesday. (2023.2.1)