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South Korean Defense Minister estimates 80–120 North Korean nuclear weapons
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek stated during a National Assembly Defense Committee meeting on August 20 that the government estimates North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons. This estimate differs from a recent statement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed North Korea holds 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons.
Ahn noted that while the exact figures are difficult to confirm, the government's estimate is significantly higher than Trump's figure or previous estimates from organizations like SIPRI. Despite the discrepancy in numbers, Ahn emphasized that South Korea does not officially recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.
Addressing domestic concerns regarding nuclear armament, Ahn reaffirmed that South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons or accept the deployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on the peninsula. Instead, the government remains committed to a policy of ensuring a robust U.S. nuclear umbrella for the region.
Entities
Ahn Kyu-baek · Donald Trump · Kim Jong Un · North Korea · South Korea
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Kim Jong Un possesses 57 nuclear weapons. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The South Korean government maintains its position of not officially recognizing North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] South Korea will not pursue independent nuclear weapons development. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] South Korea's policy focuses on securing a reliable U.S. nuclear umbrella. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The South Korean Defense Minister stated that the country should not accept the deployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on the peninsula. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The South Korean Defense Minister estimates North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons. www.imaeil.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.hani.co.kr