In a significant development, President Donald Trump announced via social media that the United States will share its highly-guarded technology to enable South Korea to construct a nuclear-powered submarine. This announcement followed a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, held on Wednesday.
During their discussions, President Lee emphasized the importance of modernizing the alliance between the two nations. He highlighted South Korea’s commitment to increasing military expenditures as a means to alleviate some of the financial responsibilities currently shouldered by the United States.
Addressing past communications, President Lee clarified a potential misunderstanding from their August conversation regarding nuclear-powered submarines. He explained that South Korea’s interest lies in acquiring nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes, rather than developing nuclear weapons.
Lee further stated that possessing nuclear-powered submarines would enhance South Korea’s ability to support U.S. operations in the region, thereby strengthening their strategic partnership.
In another statement, Trump confirmed that the construction of South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine will take place at the Philly Shipyard. This facility was acquired last year by South Korea’s Hanwha Group, marking a significant step in their bilateral cooperation.
While specific details regarding the size or cost of the submarine project remain undisclosed, it was noted that South Korea has pledged $150 billion to boost America’s shipbuilding capacity as part of ongoing negotiations with Trump.
U.S. nuclear submarine technology is widely regarded as some of the most sensitive and highly guarded technology the military possesses. The U.S. has been incredibly protective of that knowledge, and even a recently announced deal with close allies the United Kingdom and Australia to help the latter acquire nuclear submarine technology doesn’t feature the U.S. directly transferring its knowledge.
Trump’s post on social media comes ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country possesses nuclear submarines, and after North Korea in March unveiled for the first time a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. It is a weapons system that can pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S.
As Trump visited South Korea, North Korea said Wednesday that it conducted successful cruise missile tests, the latest display of its growing military capabilities.
Pentagon officials didn’t immediately respond to questions about Trump’s announcement on sharing the nuclear sub technology with South Korea.
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Boak reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report from Washington.
