South Korea and U.S. Align on Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development in South Korea
South Korea and the United States have agreed that Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would strengthen their alliance, with both countries discussing the project on the premise that submarines would be built domestically in South Korea. The agreement emerged from inaugural talks implementing a joint fact sheet and represents a shift from earlier statements by President Trump suggesting construction at a U.S. shipyard. The alignment is significant for regional security on the Korean Peninsula, though South Korea remains cautious about U.S. concerns over nonproliferation norms.
During inaugural meetings to implement a South Korea-U.S. joint fact sheet held June 2-3, both countries discussed Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine program with the understanding that construction would occur in South Korea, according to South Korea's Foreign Ministry. This represents a notable development given that President Trump had previously stated on social media that the submarines should be built at Philadelphia Shipyard; however, U.S. officials did not raise objections to domestic South Korean construction during the talks. Both delegations agreed the submarines would serve as an important alliance capability for defending the Korean Peninsula and are not aimed at any specific country. The talks also covered South Korea's efforts to expand uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing rights, with both sides agreeing to strengthen their nuclear energy partnership and begin full-scale discussions on adjusting the existing 123 Agreement. South Korean officials described the atmosphere as positive and constructive, though the government remains cautious due to U.S. nonproliferation concerns and uncertainty about Trump's decision-making approach.
What different sources said
- UPICenter
South Korea, U.S. align on nuclear-powered subs
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