Seoul: South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans to engage in working-level discussions with the United States to expedite the development of nuclear-powered submarines. This move follows the approval from U.S. President Donald Trump after his recent summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee requested U.S. support to secure nuclear fuel supplies for conventionally armed submarines, aiming to enhance the tracking of North Korean and Chinese vessels. In response, President Trump expressed his approval via social media, stating that South Korea has been authorized to construct a nuclear-powered submarine at a Philadelphia shipyard operated by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.
Foreign Minister Cho emphasized the need for swift progress and mentioned that working-level consultations with the United States would be crucial. This development comes as the two nations concluded a trade agreement during the summit, involving South Korea’s $350 billion investment package in exchange for a reduction in U.S. tariffs from 25 to 15 percent.
Addressing concerns about nuclear latency, Cho clarified that South Korea does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, relying instead on the U.S. extended deterrence. He highlighted South Korea’s position as the only nation not permitted to produce its own nuclear fuel for civilian purposes despite its advanced nuclear energy capabilities.
Cho stressed the necessity for South Korea to produce nuclear fuel and reprocess spent fuel to address environmental and economic challenges, with the U.S. agreeing in principle. He noted that South Korea operates 26 commercial nuclear reactors, with storage for spent fuel rods projected to reach capacity by 2030.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summit between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cho expressed hopes for building rapport and mutual trust, anticipating fruitful discussions on bilateral issues, including economic cooperation.