In brief
During a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, President Trump revealed that the U.S. would share its advanced nuclear submarine technology with South Korea. President Lee emphasized the need for modernization of their military alliance and clarified that South Korea seeks nuclear-powered submarines for strategic defense rather than nuclear weapons. This announcement comes in light of increasing military tensions in the region, particularly with North Korea's advancements in military technology.
GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) — The United States will share closely held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, President Donald Trump said on social media after meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
In their meeting, President Lee emphasized the importance of modernizing the military alliance with the United States and expressed South Korea's intent to increase its military spending to lessen the financial burden on the U.S. He clarified that his government’s interest was in acquiring nuclear fuel for submarines, rather than pursuing nuclear weapons.
Lee stated that possessing nuclear-powered submarines would enhance U.S. strategic operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. has been typically protective over its nuclear submarine technology, which is considered sensitive military information. Notably, the deal recently struck with the United Kingdom and Australia for nuclear submarine technology does not involve the transfer of U.S. technology directly.
This announcement follows President Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who oversees a nation that also has nuclear submarines. Additionally, recent missile tests conducted by North Korea showcase its advancing military capabilities, increasing regional tensions.
As North Korea conducts successful cruise missile tests, the implications of this technology sharing remain to be seen, and Pentagon officials have not yet commented on the specifics of Trump's announcement.
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Report from Tokyo contributed by AP writer Konstantin Toropin.
