In brief
During a recent meeting in Gyeongju, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of upgrading military collaboration with the U.S., specifically looking for nuclear fuel for submarines. The announcement comes as North Korea showcases its military advancements, heightening security concerns in the region.
GYEONGJU, South Korea (RTW News) — President Donald Trump announced on social media Thursday that the United States will provide South Korea with access to sensitive technology in order to help the country build nuclear-powered submarines. This declaration followed Trump's meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who highlighted the necessity of modernizing the U.S.-South Korea military alliance as South Korea aims to boost its defense spending and lessen the financial obligations on the United States.
President Lee clarified that South Korea's interest lies in obtaining nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes rather than pursuing nuclear weapons, addressing any previous misunderstandings from their August conversation. He also noted that having nuclear-powered submarines would allow South Korea to effectively support U.S. military operations in the region.
Historically, U.S. nuclear submarine technology has been regarded as highly sensitive and carefully protected by the military. Even recent agreements aimed at aiding allies like the United Kingdom and Australia in their nuclear submarine endeavors do not involve direct technology transfers from the U.S. Trump’s announcement comes ahead of his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid rising security concerns following North Korea's public display of military progress, including cruise missile tests.
The Pentagon has yet to comment on Trump's announcement regarding the sharing of nuclear submarine technology with South Korea.
