The US wants South Korea to eventually deploy its newly approved nuclear-powered submarines to help counter China’s rapidly expanding fleet, a top US admiral said, calling it a responsibility expected of a key ally.
“Utilization of that submarine for countering China, I think is a natural expectation with that type of capability,” US Fleet Forces Command Admiral Daryl Caudle said in Seoul on Friday.
He spoke hours after both nations released a fact sheet that put in writing US consent for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines.
Photo: AP
“I think there will be a responsibility for [South] Korea to deploy those submarines globally and move away from just being a regional navy to a global navy,” Caudle said.
The unexpected US green light came after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung late last month.
Although the approval is a major win for South Korea after years of seeking nuclear-powered submarines, Caudle’s comments expose another discrepancy in how the allies envision the project. Seoul has said it wants the submarines to deter North Korea.
The two nations already appeared divided over where the vessel should be built, its type and whether the US should get free vessels as part of the deal, people familiar with the matter said.
It would also be many years before any of the submarines are built.
The talk of the new submarines comes at a delicate moment for Seoul as Lee seeks to improve ties with Beijing. During his first visit to South Korea in 11 years last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) said Beijing was ready to deepen communication and cooperation with South Korea.
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