The recent nuclear agreement between the United States and South Korea has been criticized by Russia, who has warned that the new deal will increase the existing tensions in the region and create instability in the world.
On Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the United States and its allies to stop escalating the situation and avoid taking steps that will weaken overall security for all states. She also stated that the US and its allies are pursuing military programs that undermine global strategic stability.
This criticism comes two days after US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol signed a nuclear deal called the Washington Declaration. The deal will see the US deploying nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and cooperating with Seoul in the use of Washington’s nuclear weapons in any potential conflict with North Korea. Officials have also stated that there will be routine visits of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy.
ALSO READ: South Korea must temporarily acquire nuclear weapons – Lawmaker
Zakharova reiterated that this development is clearly destabilizing in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, which will impact global stability.
After endorsing the Washington Declaration, in a joint press conference with his South Korean counterpart, Biden cautioned the North that if its leader Lim Jung-un were to order a nuclear attack against the United States or its allies, the government would be wiped out.
Biden stated, “An attack by North Korea using nuclear weapons against the United States, its allies, or partners is not acceptable and will lead to the end of any regime that chooses to take such an action.”
In response to Biden’s statement, Beijing, a close ally of Pyongyang, urged Washington and Seoul to avoid escalating tensions and cautioned them against provoking confrontation with North Korea.
At a press conference on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that instead of provoking, the two countries should play a positive role and devise a peaceful mechanism to resolve the long-standing dispute between the Koreas.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, “All parties should confront the core issue of the Korean Peninsula and contribute constructively to promoting a peaceful resolution of the issue.”
