A Second U.S. Nuclear Submarine Has Arrived At A South Korean Port

The nuclear-powered USS Missouri fast attack submarine arrives at a naval base in Busan on Sunday to strengthen combined defense posture with South Korea’s Navy. [NEWS1]  

Newsweek: US Puts Second Nuclear Submarine by South Korea After Warning Kim Jong Un 

An American nuclear submarine arrived at a major South Korean port on Sunday, the second that has arrived in the country in the last two months, amid reports of a new North Korean missile test. 

As confirmed by the South Korean navy to the Yonhap news agency, the Virginia-class warship USS Missouri, also designated SSN-780, has arrived at one of the nation's key naval bases in the port city of Busan, roughly 200 miles southeast of the capital city, Seoul. 

The arrival comes in the wake of South Korea and the United States holding the second meeting of the Nuclear Deterrence Consultative Group in Washington, D.C., on Friday.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The North Koreans have responded to this US nuclear sub deployment .... North Korea Fires Suspected ICBM After US Holds Nuke Talks (Bloomberg). More here .... North Korea launches missile after U.S. sub arrives in South Korea (UPI). 

A Second U.S. Nuclear Submarine Has Arrived At A South Korean Port  

U.S. nuclear-powered sub arrives in S. Korea amid possibility of N.K. ICBM launch -- Yonhap News Agency  

US nuclear-powered submarine arrives at S.Korea's Busan port -Yonhap -- Reuters  

U.S. nuclear submarine arrives off coast of South Korea -- RBC Ukraine  

U.S. nuclear sub visits Busan as allies hash out deterrence guidelines -- Korea Joongang Daily

US, South Korea Revise Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Missile And Nuclear Threats

 

Reuters: US, South Korea revise deterrence strategy, boost drills over North Korea threat 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea and the United States on Monday revised a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats, and vowed to maintain pressure on Pyongyang despite global distractions. 

 The Tailored Deterrence Strategy (TDS) is aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear weapons and other arms, according to an announcement on the agreement by the two countries 10 years ago. South Korea's Defence Minister Shin Won-sik and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, signed the updated agreement at the security talks in Seoul, the defence ministry said. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Japan is also getting involved .... Japan, U.S. and South Korea to share missile-warning data from next month (Japan Times). More here .... S. Korea, US, Japan to launch high-level cyber consultation group (Korea Times). 

US, South Korea Revise Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Missile And Nuclear Threats  

US and South Korea sharpen deterrence plans over North Korean nuclear threat -- AP  

S. Korea, US revise deterrence agreement to counter North Korea -- AFP  

US, South Korea Sharpen Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Nuclear Threat -- VOA  

S. Korea, U.S. defense chiefs discuss 'tailored deterrence strategy' on N. Korea -- Yonhap News Agency  

Japan, U.S. and South Korea to share missile-warning data from next month -- Japan Times

White House Says US, South Korea And Japan To Deepen Military And Economic Ties At Camp David Summit

 

Newsweek: U.S., South Korea, Japan to Enter New Security Pact at Camp David Summit 

The United States has agreed to new security ties with Japan and South Korea in a historic trilateral pact aimed at countering threats from China and North Korea, according to a senior Biden administration official. 

President Joe Biden will announce the new security framework with South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a trilateral summit Friday at Camp David, the presidential retreat that has served for decades as the site for high-profile summits between the U.S. and key partners around the world.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is responding to this summit .... China blasts US-Japan-South Korea summit, warns of 'contradictions and increasing tensions' (AP). More here .... China warns of ‘increasing tensions’ ahead of US-Japan-South Korea summit (The Hill).  

Update: I am also not expecting this .... U.S.-Japan-South Korea Summit: Don’t Expect an ‘Asian NATO’ (Time). 

White House Says US, South Korea And Japan To Deepen Military And Economic Ties At Camp David Summit  

US hails ‘new era’ of Asia Pacific relations as Biden hosts historic summit with Japan and South Korea – live -- The Guardian  

US, South Korea and Japan to deepen military and economic ties at Camp David summit -- Reuters  

US announces new multiyear military exercise plan with Japan, South Korea ahead of summit -- FOX News  

Camp David Trilateral Summit Cements US-Japan-ROK 'Commitment to Consult' in a Crisis -- VOA  

US-Japan-ROK to make ‘pledge’ to consult each other in security crises -- Breaking Defense

U.S., Japan, And South Korea To Announce Deeper Defense Cooperation At Camp David Summit

United States President Joe Biden with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the Group of Seven Summit in Hiroshima in May. PHOTO: AFP 

Reuters: US, South Korea, Japan to launch new defence steps at Camp David: Officials 

WASHINGTON – The United States, Japan and South Korea will launch a series of joint initiatives on technology, education and defence when the countries’ leaders gather at Camp David on Friday, according to senior US administration officials, amid mounting shared concerns about China. 

While the summit is unlikely to produce a formal security arrangement that commits the nations to each others’ defence, they will agree to mutual understanding about regional responsibilities and set up a three-way hotline to communicate in times of crisis, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 

US President Joe Biden invited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the storied presidential retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains as the Asian nations work to mend their tattered diplomatic relations in the face of greater regional threats posed both by China’s rise and North Korea.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is closely watching this summit .... US, Japan, S.Korea boosting military tie-up 'destructive to regional peace (Global Times). More here .... ‘High alert’: China watching closely as US, Japan, S Korea aim for ‘Asian Nato’ (SCMP). 

U.S., Japan, And South Korea To Announce Deeper Defense Cooperation At Camp David Summit  

US, Japan, South Korea to announce deeper defense cooperation at Camp David summit -- AP

South Korea president calls for deeper security cooperation with US ahead of summit -- The Hill  

Korea, US, Japan to discuss security cooperation at trilateral summit -- Korea Herald 

U.S., Japan and South Korea to agree on annual three-way summits -- Japan Times  

U.S., Japan and South Korea to discuss crisis hotline at Camp David summit -- Axios

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders For Aug. 18 Summit At Camp David

U.S. President Joe Biden, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a photo op on the day of trilateral engagement during the G7 Summit at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan, May 21, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo  

Reuters: Biden to Host Japan, South Korea Leaders for Aug. 18 Summit -White House 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a trilateral summit at Camp David in Maryland on Aug. 18, the White House said on Friday.

"The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond – including to address the continued threat posed by (North Korea) and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. 

Washington is keen to encourage closer cooperation with its two main allies in Asia amid shared concerns about China's growing might and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China, the Russia - Ukraine war, Taiwan, national security, and trade will be the topics that will be discussed.

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders For Aug. 18 Summit At Camp David  

President Biden to host the leaders of Japan and South Korea for an August summit at Camp David -- AP  

Biden to meet with leaders of South Korea and Japan at Camp David -- CNN 

Biden seeks to deepen ties with South Korea and Japan with Camp David summit -- The Hill

U.S. announces trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea -- Japan Times

National Security Advisers Of The US, Japan And The Philippines Have Agreed To Strengthen Security Ties

US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who traveled to Japan for a meeting with his counterparts from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, is accompanied by US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel as he leaves the prime minister's office after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday. Reuters-Yonhap  

Reuters: U.S., Japan, Philippines Discuss S China Sea, North Korea 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The national security advisers of the United States, Japan and the Philippines on Friday discussed regional security issues and ways to strengthen the trilateral alliance, they said in a joint statement. 

It was the first meeting between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his counterparts, Akiba Takeo of Japan and Eduardo Ano of the Philippines. 

 "The three (advisers) discussed a wide range of regional security challenges, including with respect to the South China Sea and the East China Sea, as well as North Korea.

In addition, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the joint statement said. 

Read more .... 

Update: US, Japan, Philippines agree to strengthen security ties amid tensions over China, North Korea (AP)  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has started to deploy some key assets .... A US nuclear-powered sub arrives in South Korea, a day after North Korea resumes its missile tests (AP).

U.S., South Korea Agree To Cooperate In Strategic Planning For The Use Of Nuclear Weapons

 

New York Times: U.S. and South Korea Agree to Cooperate on Nuclear Weapons 

WASHINGTON — The United States will give South Korea a central role for the first time in strategic planning for the use of nuclear weapons in any conflict with North Korea, in return for an agreement that Seoul will not pursue its own nuclear weapons arsenal, American officials said. 

The agreement, which the two sides are calling the Washington Declaration, is a centerpiece of this week’s state visit by President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, who will appear with President Biden at the White House on Wednesday.  

Read more .... 

U.S., South Korea Agree To Cooperate In Strategic Planning For The Use Of Nuclear Weapons  

U.S., South Korea Pledge Cooperation on Nuclear Arms -- WSJ  

U.S. and South Korea sign nuclear-weapon agreement -- Philadelphia Inquirer  

South Korea, US Set for New Collaboration to Deter North's Nuclear Threat -- Reuters  

South Korea-US summit to be topped by nuclear-armed sub agreement -- Al Jazeera 

Biden and South Korea’s Yoon to announce agreement to deter North Korea including deploying nuclear-armed submarine -- CNN  

US nuclear sub to dock in South Korea -- DW  

US to dock nuclear subs in South Korea for 1st time in 40 years -- AP

South Korea's President Yoon To Meet Biden In State Visit Next Week

 

Reuters: South Korea's Yoon to Visit US Next Week for Summit With Biden 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the United States next week for a summit with President Joe Biden as the allies grapple for ways to handle the challenge posed by North Korea's growing nuclear and missile arsenal. 

Yoon's April 24-29 trip will be the first state visit to the United States by a South Korean leader since 2011 and will mark the 70th anniversary of the countries' alliance. 

The two leaders are expected to discuss joint responses to deter North Korea, partnerships to build more stable supply chains and expanding cooperation on chips, batteries and other high-tech areas.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This is going to be raised, but privately .... 'Embarrassing wrench': How Pentagon leak complicates South Korean president's state visit with Biden (USA Today)

 South Korea's President Yoon To Meet Biden In State Visit Next Week  

South Korean president to meet with Biden, Congress following concerns over intel leak -- FOX News  

Biden, Yoon to show unity on North Korea with many 'deliverables' for alliance: U.S. experts -- Korea Joongang Daily  

South Korea's Yoon heads to US ahead of Biden summit -- AFP  

South Korea's President Yoon to meet Biden in state visit -- UPI  

Factbox-What's on the agenda at the South Korea-US summit? -- Reuters

U.S., South Korea, Japan Hold Missile Defense Drills In Response To Recent North Korean Missile Tests

The United States, South Korea and Japan held trilateral missile defense training in the East Sea Monday, the South Korean navy said. Photo courtesy of Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense  

Reuters: S.Korea, US, Japan hold drills as N.Korea slams US 'nuclear 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea, the United States and Japan staged joint naval missile defence exercises on Monday to improve responses to North Korean threats, as Pyongyang accused Washington of ramping up "nuclear blackmail" with military drills. 

The three nations agreed at talks in Washington on Friday to hold regular missile defence and anti-submarine exercises in their efforts to boost diplomatic and military cooperation. 

 North Korea tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday that experts say would ease the way for missile launches with little warning, part of an increase in its military activities in recent weeks.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: U.S., South Korea, Japan hold missile defense drills in response to N. Korea (UPI)  

Update #2: US, South Korea and Japan flex missile-defense muscles after North’s latest ICBM test (Stars and Stripes) 

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. After this exercise is over, North Korea is going to continue ignoring these Hotline calls .... Is Kim Jong Un about to go rogue? North Korea goes chillingly silent with Seoul reporting no contact on hotline for a week as rocket test sparks panic in Japan and dictator orders expansion of his nuclear arsenal (Daily Mail).

South Korea To Lend The U.S. 500,000 Rounds Of 155mm Artillery Shells

 

Reuters: South Korea to lend 500000 rounds of artillery shells to US -report 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea has reached an agreement to lend the United States 500,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells that could give Washington greater flexibility to supply Ukraine with ammunition, a South Korean newspaper reported on Wednesday. 

The DongA Ilbo newspaper cited unidentified government sources as saying South Korea decided to "lend" the ammunition instead of selling, to minimise the possibility of South Korean shells being used in the Ukraine conflict. 

South Korea's defence ministry said the allies have been exploring ways to support Ukraine but declined to confirm specific discussions. The U.S. State Department did not immediately offer comment. 

 Read more ....  

WNU editor: This message is falling on deaf ears .... Seoul Stands Firm on Not Sending Lethal Weapons to Ukraine (VOA).

US And South Korea Announce Joint Military Exercises, The Largest In 5 Years

Lee Sung-jun (R), spokesman for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Col. Isaac Taylor, spokesman for US Forces Korea, hold a joint press conference at the defence ministry to announce that South Korea and the United States will begin a combined springtime military exercise on March 13 and will last until March 23. -/YNA/dpa

DPA: US, South Korea to hold new military field exercises later this month 

The United States and South Korea are planning to hold new military exercises starting on March 13 for an 11-day period, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said on Friday. 

Field exercises will be integrated into the staff exercise, which is based on computer simulations, according to USFK. 

A series of field exercises, called Warrior Shield FTX, are already underway, a USFK spokesman said. 

It was initially unclear how many soldiers would be deployed in the exercises, which seek to improve military cooperation between the two countries' armed forces through "air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations," he said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: North Korea has responded .... North Korea Says UN Should Demand End to S.Korea-US Military Drills (Reuters).  

US And South Korea Announce Joint Military Exercises, The Largest In 5 Years  

US, South Korea announce largest field exercises in 5 years -- AP  

US, South Korea Plan Joint Military Drill Set to Anger Pyongyang -- Bloomberg  

US, South Korea announce largest military drill in years -- The Hill  

S. Korea discloses special forces drills with US in warning to N.Korea -- Korea Herald 

S Korea, US to hold joint military drills despite N Korea warning -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Nuclear Attack Submarine Makes A Port Call In South Korea

The USS Springfield nuclear-powered fast attack submarine arrives at a naval base in Busan, Saturday. Courtesy of US Pacific Fleet  

EurAsian Times: US Nuclear Submarine, USS Springfield, Makes Port Call In South Korea Amid Flaring Tensions With North 

On Saturday, the US 7th Fleet announced the arrival of its fast-attack submarine USS Springfield at the naval base in the South Korean port city of Busan in an apparent show of force aimed at the North. 

“The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) pulled into port in Busan, February 23,” the fleet said on social media. 

Los Angeles-class submarines make routine port calls in South Korea as part of the US navy’s forward-deployed submarine force in the Indo-Pacific. 

The length of the submarine’s stay was not revealed. USS Springfield is billed as one of the most capable ships in the entire US navy. Its home port is in Guam, in the western Pacific.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Nuclear-powered sub arrives in South Korea amid NK provocations (Korea Times)  

Update #2: U.S. nuclear-powered submarine arrives in Busan (Yonhap News Agency)  

WNU Editor: The US and South Korea are sending the North a message. North Korea is sending its own message .... North not backing down ahead of South-U.S. joint military exercises (The Korea JoongAng Daily).

U.S. And South Korea Stage Joint Air Drills After Recent North Korean ICBM Launch

 

Reuters: U.S. stages joint air exercises with Asian allies after North Korea's ICBM launch 

SEOUL (Reuters) - The United States held joint air exercises bilaterally with South Korea and Japan involving strategic bombers on Sunday, a day after North Korea fired a Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in a "sudden launching drill".

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the exercise, in which South Korea's F-35A, F-15K and U.S. F-16 fighters escorted American B-1B bombers, demonstrated the allies' "overwhelming" defence capabilities and readiness posture. 

"(The exercise) strengthened the combined operation capability and affirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of extended deterrence," the South's military said in a statement.  

Read more .... 

U.S. And South Korea Stage Joint Air Drills After Recent North Korean ICBM Launch 

 N. Korea makes fresh threats, US bombers fly after ICBM test -- AP  

U.S. and South Korea stage combined air drill a day after North Korea missile launch -- NBC  

North Korea fires ballistic missiles after US conducts military drills with South Korea, Japan: 'firing range' -- FOX News 

US holds drills with Asian allies after North Korea’s ICBM launch -- Al Jazeera

US, South Korea Defence Chiefs Vow To Step Up Military Drills To Counter North Korea

 

DW: US, South Korea defense chiefs vow to expand cooperation 

Lloyd Austin and Lee Jong-sup have agreed to increase joint military drills after a year in which North Korea conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests. 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in South Korea on Tuesday to hold talks with his counterpart Lee Jong-sup. Seoul has been seeking greater assurances from Washington amidst the growing nuclear threat from North Korea. 

Austin said that "tabletop exercises" would ensure allies see North Korean threats on the peninsula "eye-to-eye." He promised that the US "is commited to using the full range of conventional and nuclear deterrants to protect South Korea." 

The two countries also affirmed a trilateral defense relationship with Japan, with whom Seoul has long had a strained relationship. Austin said that cooperation with Tokyo "enhances all of our security."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Not reported that much in the media is that these joint US-South Korean military drills will also be nuclear drills. 

 US, South Korea Defence Chiefs Vow To Step Up Military Drills To Counter North Korea 

U.S., South Korea Want Peace in Indo-Pacific -- US Department of Defense  

US deploying more advanced weapons in response to North Korea threat -- The Hill  

US, South Korea Ramping Up Exercises in Response to North Korean Threats -- VOA 

US, South Korea vow to ramp up nuclear deterrence in face of North Korea aggression -- FOX News  

U.S., South Korea Militaries Carry Out Air Exercises -- Reuters

US President Biden Says The U.S. Is Not Discussing Nuclear Exercises With South Korea, Contradicting President Yoon

 

Reuters: Biden says U.S. not discussing nuclear exercises with South Korea 

SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is not discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea, President Joe Biden said on Monday, contradicting remarks by his South Korean counterpart as tensions flare with North Korea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol had said that Seoul and Washington are discussing possible joint exercises using U.S. nuclear assets, while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un branded the South its "undoubted enemy". 

"No," Biden said when asked by reporters at the White House if he was currently discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea. 

He had just returned from a vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he was accompanied by his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The U.S. and South Korea are definitely not on the same page .... South Korea says talks under way over U.S. nuclear operations planning (Reuters). 

US President Biden Says The U.S. Is Not Discussing Nuclear Exercises With South Korea, Contradicting President Yoon 

US Not Discussing Nuclear Exercises With South Korea, Biden Says -- VOA  

US in Talks With Seoul on Deterring North Korea From Using Nukes -- Bloomberg  

Joe Biden rejects South Korea nuclear exercises suggestion with firm ‘no’ -- NYPost  

Biden denies US in talks on nuclear exercises with South Korea -- Al Jazeera

President Yoon Says South Korea Is In Talks With The U.S. To Carry Out Joint Planning And Exercises Involving U.S. Nuclear Forces To Xounter North Korea's Nuclear Threats

President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a New Year's address from the presidential office in Seoul on Jan. 1, 2023, in this photo provided by his office. © Provided by Yonhap News  

Yonhap News Agency: Yoon says S. Korea, U.S. in talks over joint nuclear exercises 

SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol has said South Korea is in talks with the United States to carry out joint planning and joint exercises involving U.S. nuclear forces to counter North Korea's nuclear threats. 

In an interview with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper published Monday, Yoon said the idea of the U.S. providing a nuclear umbrella or extended deterrence to South Korea is not enough to reassure the South Korean public. 

The interview was published a day after North Korean state media reported leader Kim Jong-un called for "an exponential increase" of his country's nuclear arsenal, while calling South Korea "our undoubted enemy."  

Read more ....  

Update: South Korea, U.S. Eye Exercises Using Nuclear Assets, Yoon Says -Newspaper (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: President Yoon is reacting to this .... Kim Jong Un Orders An 'Exponential' Expansion Of North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal (December 31, 2022).

US, South Korea Plan To Expand ‘Silent Shark’ Anti-Submarine Drills In 2023

FILE PHOTO: The USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and two guided-missile destroyers conduct joint anti-submarine drills in waters east of the Korean Peninsula, September 30, 2022. (Credit: US Navy / MC 3rd Class Daniel G. Providakes)  

The Defense Post: S. Korea, US to Expand Anti-Submarine Drills Amid North Korea Tension 

South Korean and American naval forces have discussed expanding their biennial anti-submarine warfare naval exercise amid North Korea’s growing missile threats, a US Navy official told The Korea Times. 

The planned expansion of the Silent Shark joint maritime exercise is a response to Pyongyang’s evolving submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) technology. 

In October, North Korea disclosed it “successfully” test-fired a KN-23 SLBM from a reservoir’s underwater launch site.  

According to the unnamed navy officer, the 2023 drill is expected to be well-attended, training participants in simulated settings involving Korean diesel-powered submarines and American nuclear-powered vessels.   

Read more ....  

Update: US, South Korea Plan to Expand ‘Silent Shark’ Drills (Libertarian  

WNU Editor: These drills are justified. North Korea has a large submarine fleet .... North Korea Submarine Capabilities (NTI).

President Biden Says U.S., Japan, And South Korea Are 'More Aligned Than Ever' On North Korea's Behavior

Biden had already met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol – before their joint meeting  

Reuters: Biden says U.S., Japan, South Korea are 'more aligned than ever' on North Korea 

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) -The United States, Japan and South Korea are "more aligned than ever" on North Korea's "provocative behaviour," U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday, as his national security adviser promised a joint response if Pyongyang carries out a seventh nuclear test. 

Speaking in Cambodia after a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Biden called their countries "critical allies" that share the United States' concerns about North Korea's missile tests. 

The three leaders issued a joint statement lauding "the unprecedented level of trilateral coordination" they had achieved, and pledged to forge even closer ties, especially in the security realm. 

Biden also underscored the "ironclad" U.S. commitment to defend both allies, the statement said.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: North korea's threats have gotten South Korea and Japan talking again .... Japan, South Korea hold 1st summit in years with eye on Pyongyang (Nikkei Asian). 

President Biden Says U.S., Japan, And South Korea Are 'More Aligned Than Ever' On North Korea's Behavior  

Biden joins with Japanese and South Korean leaders to condemn North Korean missile launches and to warn Kim Jong-un he will face CONSEQUENCES if he pushes on with a seventh nuclear test as he preps for pivotal meeting with Xi Jinping -- Daily Mail 

U.S., Japan, South Korea vow unified response to North Korea threat -- CBS/AP  

South Korea's Yoon says North Korea's provocations becoming more aggressive -- Reuters 

Japan and US agree to strengthen alliance amid geopolitical tensions -- Reuters  

Biden huddles with Asian allies on North Korea threat, China -- NYPost  

Biden: Partnership with Japan, South Korea ‘more important’ in face of North Korea threat -- The Hill

White House Has Authorized The Deployment Of Strategic Nuclear Assets More Frequently In South Korea

U.S. B-1B bombers take part in a joint air drill Vigilant Storm between South Korea and U.S. on Nov. 5, 2022. Photo shared by South Korea's Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS  

Antiwar.com: US to Station More Nuclear-Capable Assets on Korean Peninsula  

North Korea, South Korea, and the US conducted parallel, large-scale aerial war games on Friday 

The White House has authorized employing strategic assets in South Korea more frequently. The announcement comes as Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington conduct unprecedented aerial war games. 

At a news conference with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, Lee stated Austin pledged to set up deployments of nuclear-capable weapons. He said the US promised, "to effectively respond to any DPRK provocation by employing US strategic assets to the level equivalent to constant deployment through increasing the frequency and intensity of strategic asset deployment in and around the Korean Peninsula." 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The White House has also extended the current round of military exercises with South Korea .... US, South Korea to extend military drills after North Korean launches (Defense News).

Senior US Official Says Ready To Protect Asian Allies With A Nuclear Deterrent

(From L) South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Dong, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman pose for photos ahead of talks in Tokyo on Oct. 26, 2022. (Pool photo)(Kyodo)  

VOA: US, South Korea, Japan Vow More Cooperation to Deter North Korea Threat

Seoul, South Korea — The United States, South Korea, and Japan vowed to strengthen cooperation and increase deterrence measures ahead of an expected nuclear test by North Korea. 

The commitment came during a meeting Wednesday in Tokyo between senior leaders from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. 

“We agreed that an unparalleled scale of response would be necessary if North Korea pushes ahead with a seventh nuclear test,” said South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong. 

North Korea this year has launched a record-high number of missiles, including a ballistic missile that flew over Japan earlier this month.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I always believed that both Japan and South Korea were/are "unofficially" under the US nuclear umbrella. I guess they want to make it official. 

Senior US Official Says Ready To Protect Asian Allies With A Nuclear Deterrent 

US vows full military defense of allies against North Korea -- AP  

North Korea warned of 'unparalleled' response from US, Japan, South Korea if it launches a 7th nuclear test -- FOX News  

US threatens North Korea with nuclear deterrent to protect the South, Japan -- SCMP 

Japan, U.S., South Korea agree to beef up deterrence against North Korea -- Kyodo News 

US Ready To Protect Asian Allies With Nukes, Biden Official Says In Tokyo -- Zero Heddge