UPI: To counter Kim Jong Un, U.S. will dock nuclear-armed subs in South Korea

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the White House on Wednesday and announced that nuclear-armed submarines will dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years.

Biden pledged to uphold the country's nuclear defense treaty with South Korea in the face of threats from North Korea.

"Our nuclear defense treaty is ironclad," Biden said. "They are particularly important in the face of DPRK's increased threats and blatant violations of U.S. sanctions. At the same time, we are continuing to seek diplomatic breakthroughs with the DPRK."

Yoon's visit comes "at a critical moment as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said ahead of the meeting.

The two countries will also set up a nuclear consultative group that will share information on North Korean threats.

North Korean President Kim Jong Un has ordered nuclear rocket tests at an unprecedented pace over the past year and recently launched the country's first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts say could severely challenge missile-defense systems.

Since Yoon took office last May, Seoul and Washington have strengthened defense ties and ramped up joint military drills in the region. In recent months, Yoon's administration has sought greater input from the United States while anticipating the need for a strong nuclear response to North Korea.

The two leaders will also discuss tech competition with China, economic issues in key industries, including semiconductors, batteries and electric vehicles, cyber cooperation, climate change mitigation and foreign aid, among other topics.

Source: UPI