Photo/Illutration A rocket carrying what North Korea said is a spy satellite is launched from a site in North Gyeongsang Province in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on Nov. 21. (KCNA via Reuters)

SEOUL--The United States and South Korea plan to draw up joint guidelines on nuclear defense strategy by the middle of next year and establish an integrated system to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons, Yonhap news agency said Saturday.

Washington and Seoul have decided to complete a comprehensive guideline by next year on how to contain and respond to Pyongyang’s nuclear threat together, Yonhap reported, citing Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea’s deputy national security adviser speaking to reporters in the United States.

The guideline is expected to include methods of sharing sensitive information related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons, the consultation process in the event of a nuclear crisis, and real-time communication channels between the two countries’ leaders, it said.

The United States and South Korea are also expected to include nuclear operation exercises in next year’s joint military drills, Yonhap said.

Kim said Friday that North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this month, which is a nuclear threat regardless of its range because it can carry a nuclear warhead.

North Korea has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. mainland.

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