[Gyeongju APEC] Wi: "Trump Agrees on Need for Korean Nuclear Submarines... Shipbuilding Consultative Body to Be Launched" (Updated)

Trump: "Let's Hold Follow-up Consultations on South Korea's Nuclear Submarines"
Strategic Advantages Grow Amid Rising Threats from North Korea and China

On October 29, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his understanding of South Korea's need for nuclear-powered submarines during a summit with President Lee Jaemyung, and proposed to hold follow-up consultations. The two leaders also agreed to launch a consultative body for cooperation between the two countries' shipbuilding industries.

Yonhap News Agency

"Follow-up Consultations on Nuclear Submarine Introduction"... Implementation Will Take Time

Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office, said during a briefing on the results of the South Korea-U.S. summit that afternoon, "President Trump highly praised South Korea's active role in the alliance and expressed his agreement that South Korea needs nuclear-powered submarines in light of North Korea's nuclear submarine construction capabilities. He suggested holding follow-up consultations."

Earlier, during the summit with President Trump held at the Gyeongju National Museum, President Lee Jaemyung requested, "Please make a decision so that we can be supplied with fuel for nuclear-powered submarines," adding, "Diesel submarines have limited submergence capabilities, which restricts tracking operations against North Korean or Chinese submarines."

The nuclear-powered submarine mentioned by President Lee is an attack submarine (SSN) that does not carry nuclear weapons. This is the first time a South Korean president has officially mentioned the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines. Compared to the diesel-engine submarines currently operated by the South Korean military, nuclear-powered submarines have the advantage of being faster and capable of remaining submerged for longer periods.

As China accelerates its maritime expansion and even North Korea has begun constructing nuclear submarines, there have been repeated calls for the South Korean military to urgently introduce nuclear-powered submarines in response. A military official stated, "Nuclear-powered submarines have significantly superior submergence capabilities and higher speeds compared to conventional diesel-engine submarines," adding, "They offer a considerable strategic advantage."

However, there are still many procedures remaining before nuclear-powered submarines can be fully introduced. First, it will be necessary to revise the South Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement, as well as to conclude additional related agreements. Under the current agreement, South Korea is prohibited from using nuclear fuel for the manufacture of nuclear weapons, research and development of nuclear weapons, or other military purposes.

When asked whether a separate agreement would be required for the introduction of nuclear submarines, Director Wi said, "We need to review the legal procedures," but added, "The current South Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement also prohibits the use of nuclear fuel for military purposes, so adjustments will be necessary."

In addition, new submarines for nuclear propulsion will need to be constructed, and it may take considerable time to develop the small reactors to be installed on them.

Yonhap News Agency

Consultative Body for Shipbuilding Cooperation to Be Launched Under the NSC

Director Wi said that President Trump highly praised South Korea's manufacturing capabilities, including its ship and submarine construction abilities, and expressed high expectations for cooperation with South Korea.

Director Wi stated, "(President Trump) said that South Korea's outstanding shipbuilding technology could greatly contribute to the modernization and strengthening of the U.S. shipbuilding industry," adding, "The two leaders agreed to strive for tangible results as soon as possible."

He specifically announced, "The two countries have decided to launch a consultative body for shipbuilding cooperation between their respective authorities."

Director Wi also said that regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump stated, "He maintains a good relationship with Chairman Kim and is ready to actively engage in dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula anytime Chairman Kim wishes."

He added, "Although the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit during this visit to South Korea seems low, given President Trump's willingness to meet with Chairman Kim, it is expected that both sides will continue to seek opportunities for meetings."

Director Wi also explained that President Trump showed his friendliness to President Lee by saying, "If you have any difficulties, feel free to contact me anytime."

Director Wi said, "President Trump expressed his desire to invite President Lee to the White House again," to which President Lee expressed his gratitude and replied that they should find a convenient time."