Ex-PPP leader stresses need for S. Korea to build potential nuclear capabilities

SEOUL, South Korea should build potential capabilities to arm itself with nuclear weapons whenever it is necessary, a candidate for the next ruling party leader said Tuesday, noting limitations in relying on Washington for security. Former ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon made the remarks at the National Assembly after Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Pyongyang raised fresh concerns over the effectiveness of the U.S.' extended deterrence. "As the international situation can always change, we should move at least to the point of equipping ourselves with potential capabilities to go nuclear whenever we decide to do so, just like Japan is now," Han said. "Strengthening national security with a nuclear force is necessary for sure. The global security situation is constantly changing, so there are limitations to relying solely on our allies," he said. On nuclear enrichment and reprocessing, Han said it would require revisions to the allies' agreement on nuclear cooperatio n but stressed that being equipped with the "potential" for nuclear armament is a "realistic and practical" option that is not subject to international sanctions. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin signed a treaty in Pyongyang offering immediate military assistance if either comes under attack. Some experts have expressed concern that the agreement could be seen as Russia's recognition of the North as a nuclear state. Source: Yonhap News Agency