[Gyeongju APEC] Foreign Ministry Responds to China’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Remarks: "Full NPT Compliance...Cooperation with IAEA"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on October 31, "Our country is fully complying with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the government's commitment to the NPT remains unwavering. As we pursue the introduction of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, we will continue to respect the NPT and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in a statement that day, "What we are seeking to develop and operate are conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, which are in accordance with the NPT."

This statement comes in response to remarks made the previous day by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kun, who commented on South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine plans, saying, "We hope that South Korea and the United States will genuinely fulfill their non-proliferation obligations and work to promote regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite."

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung, during a South Korea-U.S. summit with U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day, emphasized the need for South Korea to introduce nuclear-powered submarines, stating, "Diesel submarines have limited submergence capabilities, which restricts our ability to track North Korean or Chinese submarines." It is interpreted that South Korea used 'checking China' as leverage in persuading the United States. Although there were concerns that this could provoke China, with the South Korea-China summit just a day away, both countries' foreign ministries appear to be moderating the tone of their statements.