North Korea’s expanding nuclear weapons program was at the center of high-level talks between the United States and South Korea on Thursday, as officials from both countries met in Seoul to review deterrence measures and strengthen military readiness.
The discussions took place under the framework of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a bilateral body established to enhance cooperation on nuclear planning and security issues related to North Korea.
According to South Korea’s defense ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening allied nuclear deterrence, improving crisis response procedures, expanding information sharing and reviewing joint military exercises.
The talks come amid growing concern over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Recent state media reports showed leader Kim Jong Un visiting a newly operational nuclear-material production facility and calling for an “exponential” expansion of the country’s nuclear forces.
The sixth NCG meeting was co-chaired by South Korean defense policy chief Kim Hong-cheol and Robert Soofer, a senior U.S. defense official responsible for nuclear deterrence and weapons of mass destruction policy. Representatives from defense, foreign affairs and intelligence agencies also took part.
Officials reviewed progress made since previous meetings and explored additional ways to strengthen the alliance’s readiness against potential threats from Pyongyang.
Analysts have raised concerns that North Korea’s ability to produce weapons-grade nuclear material may be greater than previously estimated. Researchers suggest the country could significantly increase its output if multiple enrichment facilities, including sites at Yongbyon, Kangson and a possible location in Kusong, become fully operational.
According to analysis cited by the Wall Street Journal, North Korea’s uranium-enrichment capacity could increase by approximately 75% once a new facility at Yongbyon reaches full production. The report estimated the site contains more than 9,000 centrifuges capable of producing around 160 kilograms of highly enriched uranium annually, adding to the country’s existing production capacity.
The latest NCG meeting also comes as South Korea continues pursuing the transfer of wartime operational control from the United States, a process that has prompted discussions over how both allies would coordinate nuclear planning and conventional military operations in a potential conflict.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang this week for the first time in seven years. Official statements from both China and North Korea highlighted stronger political, economic and cultural cooperation, but made no mention of denuclearisation.
The Nuclear Consultative Group was launched following the 2023 Washington Declaration, an agreement designed to provide South Korea with greater insight into U.S. nuclear planning while reinforcing extended deterrence against North Korea’s growing military capabilities.
