The floor leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP), Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig, stated his party will seek ways to bolster nuclear deterrence against North Korea. He criticized the current government's approach and proposed measures including nuclear sharing with the U.S. and redeploying tactical nuclear weapons.
The opposition party's push for enhanced nuclear deterrence, including potential nuclear sharing with the U.S., signals a significant shift in South Korea's security posture and could increase tensions with North Korea.
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The floor leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP), Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig, announced Tuesday that his party will pursue strategies to enhance nuclear deterrence against North Korea. He criticized the current government and ruling party for what he described as a submissive stance toward Pyongyang.
In a policy address to the National Assembly, Jeong outlined the PPP's national security priorities. "To counter North Korea's provocations, we will seek ways to secure nuclear deterrence, including through nuclear sharing with the United States, the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula and training to equip F-35 fighter jets with tactical nuclear weapons," he stated.
Jeong accused the liberal Democratic Party (DP) of adopting a passive approach to North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities, referencing remarks by the unification minister that North Korea's nuclear strength had increased 100,000-fold over three decades. He questioned the DP's actions during this period and warned that Pyongyang might leverage its nuclear weapons for direct talks with Washington, bypassing Seoul.
These remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump's recent order to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea and his expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Regarding constitutional revision, Jeong indicated no possibility of talks with the DP, alleging their intent to advance their own interests. "There will be no constitutional amendment under the current government," he declared. Jeong also pledged to abolish the early voting system and consider extending the main voting period, citing issues with ballot shortages during the June local elections.