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US President Donald Trump has approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine, a major policy shift that could reshape military dynamics in East Asia. The announcement came during Trump’s ongoing trip to Asia, where he met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to finalize trade and defence agreements. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said South Korea will pay $350 billion to the US in exchange for lower tariffs and will also purchase large quantities of US oil and gas. He added that South Korea will invest over $600 billion into the US economy. Trump wrote that he had given Seoul “approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine,” replacing their older diesel models. Here are the key takeaways from the meeting: South Korea’s Long-Standing Request President Lee had long sought US consent to reprocess nuclear fuel for submarine power, which was previously restricted under a bilateral pact. The move is expected to enhance South Korea’s ability to monitor North Korean and Chinese vessels for extended periods. Trade Deal And Tariff Changes Trump and Lee also finalized a new trade deal. Earlier this year, Trump had imposed a 25% tariff on South Korean goods, but Lee successfully negotiated it down to 15% after agreeing to major US investments and energy purchases. The White House reportedly pushed for additional cash investments during negotiations. Diplomatic Honours And Ceremonies During his visit, Trump received a warm welcome that included an honor guard and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest national award, the first time a US president has received it. He also received a golden crown as a gift, joking, “I’d like to wear it right now.” Tensions And Protests Outside the summit venue, protests and rallies reflected mixed public sentiment. Police dispersed a small anti-Trump protest, while hundreds attended a pro-Trump rally featuring anti-China slogans. Anti-Chinese sentiment in South Korea has grown amid accusations of political interference in past elections. Regional Security Context Trump’s visit followed North Korea’s missile tests, which heightened regional tension. Trump expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but said no meeting could be arranged. He said his goal is to “get that all straightened out,” referring to inter-Korean relations. Meeting with Xi Jinping Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Busan during the APEC summit. The two leaders will discuss trade issues, marking their first face-to-face meeting since Trump took office in 2025 and imposed global tariffs. Trump told business leaders he expects “a good deal for both” nations and praised APEC countries for reforming the global trading system. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
