Asia (bbabo.net) - The United States is committed to using conventional and nuclear weapons to defend South Korea. This was stated today, January 31, by the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, speaking at a joint press conference with South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong Sop in Seoul.

“Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains unwavering. The United States is firmly committed to the extended deterrence commitment, which involves the use of the full range of US military capabilities, including conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as missile defense capabilities, ”Austin stated.

He noted that in 2022, the DPRK committed an “unprecedented” number of provocations against South Korea, adding that Washington and Seoul condemn these “dangerous actions”, which, in the opinion of the parties, will destabilize the situation in the region.

As the head of the Pentagon emphasized, there are 28,500 American servicemen in South Korea, which, he pointed out, is one of the largest US military contingents abroad.

“This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Over the past year, our countries have made significant progress in deepening cooperation,” Austin said, explaining that against the backdrop of “threats” from the DPRK, the parties have stepped up their response and are conducting exercises.

Excerpts from the broadcast of the US Department of Defense leads TASS.

Austin reportedly arrived in Seoul on January 30.

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