US strengthens nuclear umbrella over South Korea but questions linger

Experts say the US will never allow South Korea to go nuclear out of fear it will trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.

Visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Joe Biden exchanging a handshake at a news conference at the White House on April 26.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Charissa Yong

and

Chang May Choon

SEOUL/WASHINGTON - The new defence agreement under which the United States boosts its nuclear umbrella over South Korea is an important development in the face of the growing nuclear threat from North Korea.

But it comes with a pledge from Seoul not to develop its own nuclear weapons.

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South Korea

Yoon Suk Yeol

Joe Biden