SOUTH KOREA TO ‘MOVE FORWARD’ ON NUCLEAR SUBMARINES WITH US
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South Korea will “proceed” alongside the United States in the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday, following the completion of a protracted security and trade agreement.
Experts indicate that the development of these atomic-powered vessels would signify a substantial advancement in Seoul’s naval and defense industrial capabilities, enabling it to join an elite cadre of nations possessing such submarines.
“One of the most significant factors influencing our economy and security — the bilateral discussions concerning trade, tariffs, and security — has been concluded,” Lee conveyed during a press briefing, further noting that the two nations had consented to “proceed with the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. ”
Seoul had attained “support for enhancing our jurisdiction over uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing,” he remarked.
A joint fact sheet detailing the arrangement noted that both parties would “collaborate further via a shipbuilding working group” to “augment the number of US commercial vessels and combat-ready US military ships. ”
On Thursday, Beijing expressed caution regarding the nuclear submarine technology agreement between Washington and Seoul.
This partnership “extends beyond a merely commercial alliance, directly affecting the global non-proliferation framework and the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the broader region,” remarked Dai Bing, China’s envoy to Seoul, during a press briefing.
Specifics concerning the location of the nuclear submarines’ construction remain unclear.
US President Donald Trump stated on social media last month that “South Korea will be constructing its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol’ U. S. A.”
– Billions in investments –
US nuclear technology ranks among its most sensitive and stringently protected military secrets.
Nevertheless, South Korea’s national security advisor Wi Sung-lac articulated on Friday that “from inception to conclusion, the leaders’ dialogue was predicated on the understanding that construction would occur in South Korea. ”
“Hence, the location for construction can now be regarded as determined,” he added.
As part of the agreement, South Korea has committed to purchasing $25 billion worth of US military equipment and intends to “provide comprehensive support for US Forces Korea totaling $33 billion. ”
Details concerning a tariffs agreement were also disclosed.
Trump unexpectedly announced at last month’s APEC summit that the two parties had secured a deal on an investment package and automotive tariffs, before clarifying that it was “essentially” finalized.
Seoul subsequently indicated that the $350 billion agreement encompassed $200 billion in cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding collaboration, stating that both parties agreed to maintain reciprocal tariffs while reducing auto tariffs to 15 percent.
However, semiconductor tariffs were not included in the agreement at that time.
The fact sheet indicated that South Korea’s semiconductor tariffs will be “no less favorable than terms that may be offered in a future arrangement covering a volume of semiconductor trade at least as substantial as Korea’s,” though it did not provide further specifics.
South Korea is home to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, producing a significant portion of high-end chips that have become vital to the global economy, powering everything from smartphones to missiles.
The nation’s semiconductor shipments achieved an unprecedented peak of $142 billion in 2024, representing over one-fifth of the nation’s overall exports.
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