Frequent deployment of strategic assets to counter deterrence effects
來源：開云體育手機app下載發布日期：2023-02-02 02:50:44 瀏覽：43596
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| A U.S. U-2S reconnaissance aircraft flies over Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, May 25. Korea Times file |
By Kang Seung-woo
A frequent dispatch of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula as part of its efforts to deter North Korea's growing nuclear threats is not a good idea amid rampant speculation that the regime's nuclear test is imminent, according to a diplomatic observer.
Strategic assets refer to long-range bombers, nuclear-powered submarines or aircraft carriers.
However, Kim Jung-sub, a senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute, said in his recent report, "The deployment of U.S. strategic assets such as the B-52 bomber, B-1B bomber or SSBN is a useful means to send a strong warning to North Korea and a reassurance to the South Korean people." SSBN refers to a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
But he cautioned that the deployments need to be done with a clear purpose at an appropriate time.
"This is because there is a risk that if we use the option excessively, it could counter its effects or unnecessarily heighten military tensions on the peninsula. In particular, when a North Korean nuclear test is expected as it is now, it is advisable to use strategic assets after North Korea conducts it, rather than in advance because if the country carries out a nuclear test despite the deployment of strategic assets, we would waste such an important deterrence means with little effect," Kim added.
The expert also said that South Korea and the United States should share detailed deterrence plans in times of emergency.
"It is not simply the promise of a nuclear umbrella by the United States, but rather, raising the level of extended deterrence to the level of sharing and discussing with the allies what nuclear and non-nuclear options the United States will pursue under what conditions and under what circumstances," he added.
Currently, Seoul and Washington are poised to reactivate the regular meetings of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), one of the two consultative mechanisms to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through steadfast deterrence. The other is the Deterrence Strategy Committee (DSC).
But he said the allies should try to balance both dialogues.
"The DSC, held at the defense ministry level, deals with overall issues linked to extended deterrence, while the EDSCG, by the foreign and defense ministries, is focused on delivering messages," Kim said.
"Although the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is currently stressing the importance of the EDSCG, there should be the need to balance various fora in order to deepen military discussions of extended deterrence."
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