Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday requested U.S. President Donald Trump to permit South Korea to obtain fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, aiming to enhance the nation's military capabilities. Lee made this appeal during their summit in Gyeongju, as Seoul seeks to amend its bilateral nuclear energy agreement with Washington for more flexibility in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and enriching uranium.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stressed the limitations of diesel-powered submarines in underwater navigation, affecting South Korea's ability to monitor North Korean or Chinese submarines. He clarified that the request is not for building nuclear-armed submarines but for conventional submarines to protect the Korean Peninsula. Lee also urged Trump to expedite discussions on revising the bilateral nuclear pact concerning spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment.
Currently, South Korea requires U.S. consent to enrich uranium below 20 percent and is barred from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. Lee committed to upgrading the alliance with the U.S. into a "future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance" through modernization, including increased defense spending.
Lee reaffirmed South Korea's support for Trump's initiatives to boost the U.S. manufacturing industry through expanded investment and purchases. He highlighted the proposed Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) project, part of a $350 billion investment pledge related to a trade deal from July, which aims to aid the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
During their summit, Lee and Trump did not directly address tariff issues, although Trump mentioned that a trade deal with South Korea would be finalized "very soon." However, officials from both countries have downplayed the possibility of an agreement this week.
While there were speculations about a potential meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during Trump's Asia trip, both leaders confirmed it would not occur. Lee remarked that the meeting did not materialize due to Kim's lack of full commitment to the U.S. president's sincerity. Nevertheless, Lee noted Trump's willingness to meet "at any time" has fostered a "sense of warmth and peace" on the Korean Peninsula, which could contribute to lasting peace efforts.