Seoul: The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) announced on Tuesday that his party plans to explore methods to enhance nuclear deterrence against North Korea, criticizing the current government's and ruling party's perceived submissive stance towards Pyongyang.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig outlined these priorities in his policy address to the National Assembly session, focusing on national security and other pressing issues. Jeong emphasized the need for strategies to counter North Korea's provocations, including potential nuclear sharing with the United States, redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, and equipping F-35 fighter jets with tactical nuclear capabilities.

Jeong criticized the liberal Democratic Party (DP) for its approach towards North Korea, referencing the unification minister's comments on the dramatic increase in the North's nuclear capabilities over the past three decades. He questioned the DP's actions during this period of nuclear growth and warned of Pyongyang's potential use of its nuclear arsenal as a bargaining chip for direct talks with Washington, potentially sidelining Seoul.

Jeong's comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, while expressing openness to renewed dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The floor leader also dismissed the possibility of constitutional negotiations with the DP, accusing them of using constitutional amendments for their own advantage.

Additionally, Jeong criticized the current early voting system, pledging to abolish it and consider extending the main voting period following issues of ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections.