A senior US diplomat stated on Wednesday that the United States government is deeply engaged in a “pretty extensive process” concerning a bilateral agreement with South Korea regarding Seoul’s ambition to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno made these comments during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, addressing the submarine project highlighted in a joint fact sheet released by Seoul and Washington in November. This document outlines their agreements on critical security, trade, and other pressing issues.
The fact sheet formalizes the US’s endorsement of South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines. It also indicates that Washington will collaborate closely with its Asian ally to further the requirements of this significant shipbuilding initiative, especially regarding “avenues to source fuel.”
“Specific to a nuclear submarine as part of the joint fact sheet, we’re going through a pretty extensive process,” DiNanno explained. “Interagency is very active on building teams who would go, what our deliverable, deliverables would be, because they’re extensive.”
DiNanno emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, with the Pentagon focusing on infrastructure aspects and the State Department addressing potential provisions of nuclear fuel for the submarine project.
The official also reiterated the US’s commitment to providing “extended deterrence” to South Korea.
“The president himself on the (Korean) peninsula was very clear in his commitment to the US extended deterrence umbrella. So there can be no clearer message,” he affirmed, referencing President Donald Trump’s stance on the matter.
