US President Donald Trump grants South Korea approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine at Philadelphia shipyards amid regional tensions
GYEONGJU: US President Donald Trump announced he has given approval for ally South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Thursday following his meeting with South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju.
The US leader arrived in the southern town for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit.
On Wednesday, Seoul’s presidential aide confirmed the two countries had reached a broad trade deal covering investment and shipbuilding.
Trump described the agreement as “pretty much” finalised during their discussions.
“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,” Trump stated.
He specified in a separate post that “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,” he added.
Lee had previously asked Trump to “make a decision to allow us to receive fuel for nuclear-propelled submarines.”
“We are not proposing to build submarines armed with nuclear weapons; rather, diesel submarines have inferior submerged endurance, which limits our ability to track North Korean or Chinese submarines,” Lee explained to Trump.
The dessert at their luncheon featured the word “PEACE!” according to Seoul’s presidential office.
This echoed their first meeting pledge to act as a “peacemaker” and a “pacemaker” for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea remain high despite these diplomatic efforts.
Pyongyang has brushed aside Lee’s outreach while continuing to deepen military and economic links with Russia.
Trump confirmed he was unable to arrange a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his South Korea visit.
This ended speculation about a possible summit after years of diplomatic deadlock between the nations. – AFP
