A complex trade and security deal has sparked a simple but dangerous row over nuclear weapons. On Tuesday, North Korea condemned an agreement between Seoul and Washington, warning that it would trigger a “nuclear domino” effect. The deal, which covers both trade and defense, is viewed by the North as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation.”
The agreement was announced last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It allows South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing, key components of the trade and security nexus. North Korea views this as a disguised military buildup, predicting it will spark a “hot arms race.”
This dispute comes just a day after Seoul proposed military talks to prevent border clashes, the first offer in seven years. President Lee has sought to engage the North without preconditions, but the complexity of the submarine deal has muddied the waters. The North views the trade aspects as secondary to the military threat.
The “nuclear domino” warning implies that the deal will have far-reaching consequences. North Korea is arguing that the intersection of trade and security is creating a new proliferation risk. This narrative challenges the legitimacy of the deal.
North Korea has yet to respond to the proposal for talks. The focus on the nuclear row suggests that the trade and security nexus is a major point of contention. The region remains divided by the deal.
