UPDATE 1-South Korea International Minister Park touts U.S. ‘prolonged deterrence’ after Blinken talks

(Provides quotes, particulars)

WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) – South Korea International Minister Park Jin stated after assembly U.S. prime diplomat Antony Blinken on Friday that Seoul and Washington had been dedicated to strengthening “prolonged deterrence” in relation to North Korea.

South Korea has sought assurances over prolonged deterrence, referring to the power of the U.S. army to discourage assaults on U.S. allies, amid issues over Pyongyang’s rising missile and nuclear capabilities.

“The ROK (Republic of Korea) and the U.S. will proceed our watertight coordination to attain real peace on the Korean Peninsula,” Park stated throughout a joint information convention following the assembly on the State Division in Washington.

“We’re dedicated to strengthening prolonged deterrence whereas sustaining a strong mixed protection posture. Any provocations by North Korea will probably be met with a agency and united response.”

Park and Blinken’s assembly adopted a go to to Seoul this week by U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin, who vowed to develop army drills and increase nuclear deterrence planning to counter North Korea’s weapons growth and forestall a battle.

Main automotive producer South Korea has sought talks with the US over the Inflation Discount Act (IRA), which excludes electrical automobiles assembled exterior of North America from tax credit in the US.

“We will even work collectively to make sure that the inflation Discount Act is applied in ways in which deal with Korean corporations’ issues and profit each our companies and industries,” Park stated.

Park stated Seoul would additionally discover the potential for cooperation with Washington underneath the CHIPS and Science Act, a regulation designed to spice up U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and analysis with a view to competitors with China. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Eric Beech and Simon Lewis; Modifying by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)