North Korea: US Nuclear Strategy Shifts to 'Actual Use,' Targeting Korean Peninsula

North Korea has issued a stark warning, vowing to "continuously expand and strengthen its self-defensive nuclear deterrence" capable of "thoroughly crushing any nuclear threat." This response comes amid discussions in the United States about a new nuclear strategy that reportedly emphasizes tactical nuclear weapons and a potential shift from deterrence to "actual use."

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We will continuously expand and strengthen our self-defensive nuclear deterrence capable of thoroughly crushing any nuclear threat.

A commentary published by North Korea's 'Military Commentator' on August 14, and reported by the Korean Central News Agency, characterized the U.S. nuclear strategy discussions as a "grave threat that is driving the global security environment to the brink of nuclear war." The commentary asserted that the U.S. nuclear doctrine "severely disrupts the nuclear balance worldwide, intensifies the nuclear arms race, and pushes the global security environment to the critical point of nuclear war."

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The U.S. nuclear strategy is shifting more aggressively from 'deterrence mission' to 'actual use'.

North Korea specifically pointed to the U.S. increasing the possibility of tactical nuclear weapon use. It cited the adoption of a nuclear deterrence and operational guideline with South Korea and the establishment of a Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), as well as extended deterrence commitments to Japan that include nuclear capabilities. The commentary suggested that the "primary target" for the U.S.'s new nuclear strategy could be the Korean Peninsula.

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The U.S.'s new nuclear doctrine is a grave risk that severely disrupts the nuclear balance worldwide, intensifies the nuclear arms race, and pushes the global security environment to the critical point of nuclear war.

While the U.S. has not officially formalized a strategy prioritizing tactical nuclear weapons, North Korea's reaction underscores its close monitoring of potential U.S. actions, including the expansion of tactical nuclear deployments in the region. The commentary concluded by justifying North Korea's own nuclear build-up, stating that "overwhelmingly enhancing the versatility, functionality, and practicality of nuclear power is the best course of action to maintain the balance of power with adversaries and guarantee our nation's security and regional peace."

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The U.S.'s new nuclear strategy could be primarily applied to the Korean Peninsula region.