Page 208 - 2018 Defense White Paper

community has been strengthening global nonproliferation efforts to curb the spread of weapons

of mass destruction (WMD), WMD-related materials, technologies and delivery systems, as
well as conventional weapons. The global nonproliferation regime consists of international
treaties, international organizations that oversee and inspect the implementation of treaties, and

export control systems that restrict the transfer of related materials, equipment, and technology.
The international community has also enhanced the effectiveness of non-proliferation regimes
by adopting sanctions based on UN Security Council Resolutions against breaches of the

nonproliferation act, and addressing the problem of implementing regulations against non-
member states and non-state actors.
Since joining the UN in 1991, the ROK participated in various international non-proliferation

activities concerning nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons, missiles, conventional
weapons, multilateral export control, etc. 29) The MND established legal and institutional
foundation for the execution of non-proliferation responsibilities in accordance with non-
proliferation treaties and international organizations. The thorough and faithful execution of

these responsibilities contributed greatly to the improvement in credibility and transparency
of the ROK. The MND also actively expresses the ROK’s position at relevant conferences to

ensure that non-proliferation regulations do not adversely affect ROK’s defense technology,
defense industry, or military capacity.
As a member of major nuclear non-proliferation regimes, 30) the ROK has contributed to the
international community’s non-proliferation efforts by steadily implementing the comprehensive

safeguard agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 31) and by
exchanging information with the member states of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) 32) to

29) See Appendix 19, “International Disarmament and Non-proliferation Agreements and Organizations” (p.386).
30) After joining the IAEA in 1957 and signing onto the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1975, the ROK joined the
Zangger Committee (ZC) in 1995, the NSG in 1996, and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test–Ban Treaty (CTBT) in
1999.
31) The IAEA is an international organization that provides technological support to promote the peaceful use
of nuclear energy and that seeks to prevent the military use of nuclear materials. (IAEA: International Atomic
Energy Agency, established in 1957, 170 member states)
32) The NSG is an export control regime concerning nuclear materials as well as nuclear-related technologies,
equipment, and dual-use items. Unlike the Zangger Committee, the NSG controls exports to all nonnuclear
states regardless of their membership with the NPT. (NSG: Nuclear Suppliers Group, established in 1978, 48
member states)

206 Chapter 5 Development of the ROK–U.S. Alliance, and Expansion of Defense Exchanges and Cooperation