Seoul: South Korea and the United States are preparing to hold the fifth meeting of their key nuclear deterrence body, the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), in Seoul next month. This development comes as South Korea seeks to ensure close security cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration amidst increasing threats from North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the specific date for the meeting has not been finalized, but both countries agreed to host it in the South Korean capital during the fourth NCG meeting held in Washington in January. This forthcoming meeting will be the first NCG session since the Trump administration and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's government assumed office in January and earlier this month, respectively.
The source from Yonhap News Agency stated, "We plan to hold it in July with a date yet to be fixed." The upcoming meeting is anticipated to be a platform where Seoul and Washington emphasize their mutual commitment to countering North Korea's progressing nuclear threats. This comes amid ongoing concerns that President Trump's America First policy might lead to reduced U.S. military involvement overseas.
It is still uncertain whether the focus of the NCG operations will shift under the Trump administration, especially as Washington prioritizes deterring threats from China and encourages allies to increase their defense "burden-sharing" efforts. When asked about potential alterations to the NCG's structure or format, a Pentagon official informed Yonhap News Agency that there are currently no new updates.
The NCG was established in July 2023 to enhance the credibility of America's extended deterrence pledge, utilizing its full military capabilities to defend South Korea and reaffirm the latter's commitment to non-proliferation. A significant milestone for the NCG occurred in July last year when Seoul and Washington signed the "Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula." These guidelines outline the principles and procedures crucial to maintaining an effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture between the two allies.