Washington and Seoul have vowed to join forces and strengthen their joint military capabilities to thwart North Korea's nuclear threat in the Korean Peninsula.

ChannelNewsAsia said that In a statement released by the White House on Sunday, US President Donald Trump and South Korea's acting president Hwang Kyo-Ahn have agreed to step up their joint defense of Seoul against the nuclear threat from the belligerent state.

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"President Trump reiterated the ironclad commitment to defend South Korea, including the provision of extended deterrence, using the full range of military capabilities," the White House told the news agency.

THAAD Deployment

The statement added that the two leaders have reiterated their commitment to strengthening their defense ties to defend South Korea which includes the US deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on Korean soil.

The news media added that US defense secretary James Mattis is scheduled to visit South Korea on Wednesday to discuss the THAAD deployment and other areas of military concern.

Despite Trump's warning in his campaign rallies that he would withdraw US forces from the country if Seoul fails to pay the US for its defense, White House officials said Washington recognizes the close friendship between the two nations and Mattis's trip reflects the importance of US-Seoul alliance.

Nuclear Program

Last year, Washington and Seoul have agreed to deploy the THAAD system after Pyongyang had repeatedly launched missiles in the Korean Peninsula, the last of which took place on September 9. Earlier reports said China has vehemently opposed the THAAD deployment saying it might be used later in Beijing and that it would jeopardize the security and order in the Korean Peninsula.

The US has repeatedly assuaged China's fears about the THAAD deployment, making it clear that the anti-missile system would not be used against Beijing. Hwang had warned early on that North Korea's nuclear program is progressing at a 'dangerous pace' as he called for the immediate deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system.

Despite opposition from its citizens, Hwang said Seoul needs the immediate installation of THAAD to protect his country from the dangers of Pyongyang's missile launches.

TagsTHAAD deployment, South Korea, Washington, North Korea, joint military capabilities