US and South Korea to develop joint nuclear defense guidelines against North Korean threat

The United States and South Korea plan to develop joint nuclear defense strategy guidelines by mid-next year and establish an integrated system for deterring North Korean nuclear weapons, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Washington and Seoul have decided to complete comprehensive guidelines by next year on how to jointly contain and respond to Pyongyang's nuclear threat, Yonhap reported, citing Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security advisor, who spoke to reporters in the United States, Reuters reported.

The guidelines are expected to include methods for exchanging sensitive information regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons, consultation processes in the event of a nuclear crisis, and real-time communication channels between the leaders of the two countries, the statement said.

The US and South Korea are also expected to include nuclear operation drills in joint military exercises next year, Yonhap reported.

North Korea could test an intercontinental ballistic missile this month, which poses a nuclear threat regardless of its range as it can carry a nuclear warhead, Kim said on Friday.

North Korea has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan, and the US mainland.