South Korea, US launch security talks on nuclear-powered submarine
Seoul, June 2
South Korea and the United States launched new high-profile talks Tuesday to discuss the implementation of security agreements reached by their leaders, including Seoul's push to acquire nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines.
The first day of the two-day inaugural talks focused on security-related provisions laid out in a bilateral joint fact sheet issued following a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump in October, according to the South Korean foreign ministry.
"The meeting carries significance in that long-delayed security consultations have finally begun and are back on track," foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said at a press briefing, Yonhap news agency reported.
"Cooperation and partnership between South Korea and the US in the nuclear sector will help deepen and broaden the bilateral alliance," he added, stressing the government's commitment to fully implementing the agreed-upon issues.
On the first day of the talks, the two sides reportedly focused on issues related to Seoul's push to build nuclear-powered submarines, which has been prohibited under a bilateral nuclear pact between Seoul and Washington.
On Wednesday, they are expected to focus their discussions on other security issues, such as Seoul's uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities, which are largely needed to supply fuel for its envisioned nuclear-powered submarines.
Other agenda items for the new security talks include the expansion of shipbuilding cooperation between South Korea and the US.
The joint fact sheet, published in November, outlines a range of commitments by both sides, including cooperation in the nuclear sector and other security-related issues, as well as Seoul's pledge to invest USD 350 billion in the US in exchange for a reduced US tariff rate.
First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo led the South Korean delegation, which included officials from the presidential office, as well as the defence, science and industry ministries.
The US delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and included Ivan Kanapathy, senior director for Asia at the National Security Council (NSC), Matthew Napoli, deputy administrator for defence nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration, and other officials from the Department of Energy and related agencies.
— IANS
Reader Comments
South Korea wants nuclear submarines because of North Korea's threats. I get that. But the US is asking them to invest $350 billion in exchange for tariff cuts and security talks? That's a heavy price. Hope they know what they're getting into.
As someone from the US, I'm glad to see these talks resume. The alliance with South Korea is crucial for stability in East Asia. Nuclear-powered submarines would give Seoul a credible deterrent against any aggression. But we need to ensure non-proliferation standards are maintained.
What about India's own nuclear submarine program? We have INS Arihant and Arihant class subs. South Korea is now trying to catch up. But the US always plays favorites - they gave Australia nuclear sub tech through AUKUS, now maybe to South Korea. India should strengthen its own capabilities and not rely on anyone.
The $350 billion investment pledge sounds like South Korea is buying its way into the nuclear submarine club. That's a lot of money for a country that already has advanced conventional subs. I hope this doesn't trigger an arms race in Northeast Asia.
The article mentions uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. That's sensitive technology. South Korea wants to do what India does with our three-stage nuclear program. But we had to fight for decades to get this recognition. US should treat all allies fairly.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.