China Urges South Korea and U.S. to Fulfill Nonproliferation Obligations on Nuclear-Powered Submarine Initiative

President Lee Jae-myung is welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the special summit dinner hosted by the president at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval of President Lee Jae-myung’s request to build nuclear-powered submarines, China on October 30 expressed a principled stance that South Korea and the United States must fulfill their obligations to prevent nuclear proliferation.

Guo Jia-kun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that day, "China hopes that South Korea and the United States will genuinely fulfill their nuclear nonproliferation obligations and promote, rather than undermine, regional peace and stability."

He added, "China is committed to a path of peaceful development and pursues a defensive national defense policy as well as a foreign policy of good-neighborliness and friendship," emphasizing, "China has always been a strong pillar safeguarding regional peace and security."

During the South Korea-U.S. summit the previous day, President Lee stated, "Diesel submarines have limited submergence capabilities, which restricts tracking activities against North Korean or Chinese submarines," adding that nuclear-powered submarines are necessary for South Korea, even to reduce the burden on U.S. forces.

To develop and operate nuclear-powered submarines, it is necessary to secure small nuclear reactors and enriched uranium fuel. Since South Korea is not a nuclear-armed state, U.S. consent is required to obtain these. President Trump expressed his approval through social networking services (SNS) that day.

The presidential office sought to clarify that President Lee’s remarks about the need for nuclear-powered submarines were not directed at any specific country, stating that he was not referring to the submarines of a particular nation. However, there have been claims that China may not welcome this explanation. Nevertheless, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrained from criticizing South Korea and the United States directly, instead emphasizing 'principles' and using moderate expressions such as 'hopes.' Regarding President Lee’s mention of China, China stressed that it does not pose a threat.