"South Korea Should Proactively Declare to the International Community: 'No Nuclear Weapons Development'"

Nonproliferation Expert Ruggiero, Former NSC Director for North Korea, Argues
"China Likely to Object... Consequence of Neglecting North Korea's Nuclear Program"

As the United States has officially expressed its support for expanding South Korea's authority over uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing within the framework of U.S.-South Korea nuclear cooperation, experts have pointed out that it is crucial for South Korea to proactively clarify to the international community that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. This, they say, is important for enhancing the credibility of South Korea's future nuclear policy and reducing diplomatic burdens.

Anthony Ruggiero, former Director for North Korea at the White House National Security Council (NSC). CSIS

Anthony Ruggiero, former Director for North Korea at the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated at a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the 20th (local time) that, as South Korea is now set to introduce nuclear-powered submarines, it is necessary for the country to clearly inform the international community that its enrichment and reprocessing activities are entirely for civilian purposes.

Previously, in the U.S.-South Korea Joint Fact Sheet (JFS) released on November 14, the U.S. government stated, "We support procedures that will result in South Korea’s civilian uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, as long as they are consistent with the U.S.-ROK nuclear cooperation agreement and comply with U.S. legal requirements." The statement also noted, "The United States has approved South Korea's construction of nuclear-powered submarines. To advance the requirements of the shipbuilding project, including fuel procurement, the United States will closely cooperate with South Korea."

Ruggiero, a nonproliferation expert, commented on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, saying, "South Korea may have to negotiate separately with other countries, and it may have to address various regulations that apply in the process." He added, "For these reasons, none of these processes will be resolved in the short term." Regarding nuclear-powered submarines, he said, "There will be many questions about where the fuel will be supplied from and what kind of commitments South Korea will need to provide."

In particular, Ruggiero mentioned the possibility of backlash from China regarding South Korea's enrichment, reprocessing, and submarine issues. He said, "China will clearly have significant complaints. However, China has only itself to blame. The definite reason North Korea's nuclear weapons program persists is that China has been unable to resolve it and has shown no willingness to do so."

Ruggiero further emphasized that, as South Korea comes to operate enhanced nuclear technology, it is necessary to send a clearer signal to the international community. He said, "As seen in the AUKUS (Australia-UK-US security alliance) case, the Australian government publicly declared that it would not develop nuclear weapons. Such a declaration should also come from South Korea." He added, "Given the historical context, South Korea should make a proactive and assertive statement that it will not develop nuclear weapons, and to ensure that no nuclear weapons development is taking place, it should accept stricter inspections."

Meanwhile, Cara Abercrombie, former Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, commented on the inclusion of the 'continued stationing of U.S. Forces Korea' in the latest bilateral announcement, saying, "Although it is not yet clear what the stationing posture will look like, this demonstrates the United States' firm commitment to remain in Korea, support the alliance, and cooperate with South Korea." Regarding 'modernizing the U.S.-ROK alliance,' she said, "This reflects the advancement of South Korea's military capabilities. South Korea's defense industry base is experiencing explosive growth and has the capacity to independently produce the necessary capabilities." However, she pointed out that, legally, "U.S. Navy warships must be built within the United States," in relation to bilateral shipbuilding cooperation.