Washington:Nearly six in ten Americans support South Korea's initiative to develop nuclear-powered submarines, a recent survey revealed, while a significant majority opposes Seoul acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the survey was conducted jointly by the Korea Economic Institute of America and YouGov, involving 1,207 American adults from August 21 to September 1. It found that 58 percent were in favor of South Korea's development of nuclear-powered submarines, with 42 percent in opposition.
The survey highlighted bipartisan support for the project, with 56 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of Republicans backing the submarine development. Among independents, 62 percent expressed their support.
South Korea aims to construct conventionally armed, nuclear-propelled submarines following security agreements made during a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in October of the previous year.
However, public support for nuclear-powered submarines does not translate into support for South Korea possessing nuclear weapons, as 71 percent of those surveyed opposed Seoul developing nuclear arms.
The survey also indicated positive attitudes toward the South Korea-U.S. alliance, with 64 percent believing that the alliance benefits American national security interests. This includes 71 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of Republicans.
Additionally, 56 percent supported either maintaining or increasing the current U.S. troop presence in South Korea, while 71 percent favored deploying U.S. troops to defend South Korea in the event of a North Korean invasion.
Overall, 68 percent of respondents held a favorable view of South Korea, with only 7 percent having an unfavorable view, and 25 percent remaining unsure.
The survey also showed that Americans are firmly opposed to North Korea keeping its nuclear weapons, with 87 percent indicating it is important for North Korea to relinquish its nuclear capabilities, consistent with 85 percent in 2020.
Despite negative views on North Korea, there was openness to renewed diplomacy, with 55 percent supporting another summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un under various conditions. Of these, 18 percent supported a meeting without preconditions, while 20 percent favored a summit if North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons first.