What is Washington declaration

Last Updated07/05/2023

In April 2023, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in the U.S. to commemorate the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea bilateral relations.
A highlight of the visit was the signing of the “Washington Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence strategy.

Launch of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by North Korea
- The successful launch of North Korea’s Hwasong-8 solid-fuel ICBM seems to have triggered the U.S. visit of the South Korean President.
  - ICBM is considered as a vital component for nuclear weapons delivery.
To create a nuclear deterrence plan against North Korea
- The South Korean President aimed to advance the strategic partnership, drawing an alliance over an extended nuclear deterrence plan against the regional aggression of North Korea.

The agreement outlines cooperation towards deterrence
- As per the agreement:
  - an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula;
  - a nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics;
  - South Korea would receive Intel from the U.S. regarding nuclear advancements; and
  - The U.S. will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
It reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty
- South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities.
- It would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.

Advocates for nuclear deterrence policy in the region
- The Washington Declaration advocates for nuclear deterrence policy in the region, aiming to balance power dynamics against North Korea.
Prohibits South Korea to develop its own nuclear capabilities
- The declaration does not allow South Korea to develop their own nuclear arsenal as it would hinder the prolonged efforts of controlling nuclear production in the world.
Aligns with the larger goal of non-proliferation
- The assurance that the U.S. and its nuclear weapons would protect its allies by being responsible for maintaining stability in the region aligns with the larger goal of non-proliferation.

Physical deployment of the arsenal is a direct threat
- While the aim is to defuse the threat, physical deployment of the arsenal can be deemed as a direct threat by opposing actors.
- Security experts fear that it can be used as leverage to act aggressively.
South Koreans prefer their own deterrence
- The South Korean public are sceptic about U.S. support.With an aggressive North Korea in the neighbourhood, they would prefer their own deterrence.
Interests of the larger power (U.S.) takes precedence
- The agreement mandates the U.S. President as the only sole authority to use the nuclear arsenal of the U.S. in the event of a nuclear confrontation.
- While the existence of the agreement is based on the security needs of South Korea, the policy reflects big power politics where the interests of the larger power (U.S.) take precedence.