President Lee Asks Trump to "Make a Decision on Supplying Fuel for Nuclear-Powered Submarines" [Gyeongju APEC]

President Lee Jaemyung, Korea-U.S. Expanded Luncheon on the 29th
Lee: "Diesel submarines have limitations in tracking North Korea and China"
Issues such as spent nuclear fuel reprocessing also raised
Requested: "Please instruct to advance discussions"

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Korea-US summit held at Gyeongju Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 29th, President Lee Jaemyung requested U.S. President Donald Trump to "make a decision so that we can receive fuel for nuclear-powered submarines." He also asked for progress in discussions on the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment.

At the expanded luncheon meeting with President Trump held at the National Gyeongju Museum, President Lee said, "I think there may be some misunderstanding because I was not able to provide a sufficiently detailed explanation to you, Mr. President," and made these remarks.

President Lee explained, "We are not trying to build submarines equipped with nuclear weapons," and added, "Because diesel submarines have limited underwater endurance, there are restrictions on tracking North Korean and Chinese submarines."

He continued, "If you allow the supply of (nuclear-powered submarine) fuel, we will be able to build several submarines equipped with conventional weapons using our own technology," and persuaded, "If Korea conducts maritime defense operations in the East and West Seas of the Korean Peninsula, the burden on U.S. forces could be significantly reduced."

President Lee also said, "I understand that you have already expressed your support," and emphasized, "If you instruct that substantive discussions on the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel or uranium enrichment move forward, I believe the issue can be resolved more quickly."

Meanwhile, President Lee reiterated his commitment to increasing South Korea's defense budget. He stated, "The Republic of Korea plans to significantly strengthen its independent defense capabilities by increasing the defense budget and developing the defense industry."

He said, "As you know, the Korean Peninsula has long been a region of conflict, and thanks to the help of the United States and the international community, we have been able to develop safely to this point," adding, "I believe the Korea-U.S. relationship should continue to evolve into a modernized, future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance."