Copyright Newsweek
The United States will share nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea, President Donald Trump said Thursday, announcing the move on social media after meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Lee told Trump during their Wednesday meeting that Seoul’s goal was to modernize its alliance with Washington, noting plans to boost defense spending to ease the U.S. financial burden. He clarified that his government’s interest was in nuclear fuel for submarines — not nuclear weapons — saying such vessels would enhance cooperation with U.S. forces in the region. Trump posted on Truth Social, "South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol’ U.S.A. Shipbuilding in our Country will soon be making a BIG COMEBACK. Stay tuned!!! President DJT" U.S. nuclear submarine technology is among the most closely guarded in the world. Even under the AUKUS partnership with Britain and Australia, Washington has not directly transferred its submarine know-how. Trump’s announcement comes ahead of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and follows North Korea’s unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine in March. The North on Wednesday said it successfully tested new cruise missiles, further heightening regional tensions. Trump wrote in a separate Truth Social post, "South Korea has agreed to pay the USA 350 Billion Dollars for a lowering of the Tariff’s charged against them by the United States. Additionally, they have agreed to buy our Oil and Gas in vast quantities, and investments into our Country by wealthy South Korean Companies and Businessmen will exceed 600 Billion Dollars. Our Military Alliance is stronger than ever before and, based on that, I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered Submarines that they have now. A great trip, with a great President of South Korea!" This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
