KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 The possible deployment of American nuclear weapons in Southeast Asia will increase security risks in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference following his visit to Malaysia.
He recalled that the Americans have long distributed nuclear weapons to NATO partners and call them «joint nuclear missions» so that non-nuclear states can train their military personnel to use such weapons.
«If this sad and rather risky experience is brought to Southeast Asia, I think it will not make anyone feel better, the risks will increase,» the minister said.
According to him, the US is «brazenly» promoting strategic weapons and introducing elements of nuclear deterrence into the militarization of Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. As an example, Lavrov cited the AUKUS project — a military bloc of the US, Great Britain and Australia, within the framework of which nuclear submarines will be built, as well as the agreement between the US and South Korea on joint nuclear deterrence.
Against this background, the countries of Southeast Asia see Russia as a balancing and stabilizing factor, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
In early July, the United States and South Korea signed the “Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula.” This document, in particular, regulates Seoul's «non-nuclear support» for Washington's nuclear operations in emergency situations. According to the new principles, the allies will seek to “increase the frequency and level” of the deployment of American strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula. It also provides for the exchange of intelligence data, joint planning, preparation and implementation of operations. It is assumed that South Korea will play a more active role in these processes.
In addition, the media reported that Washington and Tokyo decided to draw up the first joint document on the policy of extended deterrence, which will include a clause on the US determination to defend Japan including with the help of nuclear weapons. The State Department confirmed this, emphasizing that they are ready to use any means, including nuclear, to fulfill obligations to ensure the security of Japan.
Moscow noted that Washington, building a triple military alliance with Seoul and Tokyo, is seeking to direct its strike potential not only against the DPRK, but also to strategically contain Moscow and Beijing. But the only challenge in the Indo-Pacific region remains US policy, and the potential problems there require a collective response, and not the creation of a bloc architecture, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.