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U.S. Navy Admiral Daryl Caudle said it would be a “natural expectation” for South Korea’s planned nuclear-powered submarine to be used against Chinese threats, following Washington’s approval of Seoul’s development plan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Caudle made the comments during his visit to South Korea, after the U.S. agreed to Seoul’s proposal to develop a nuclear-powered submarine.
He said Washington could expect cooperation from Seoul using such capabilities to address what the U.S. views as its “priority threat,” China.
Caudle noted the strategic importance of a nuclear-powered submarine, saying the platform would give the South Korean Navy expanded responsibilities not only regionally but also globally.
Highlighting U.S.–South Korea coordination against China’s “grey-zone” activities, Caudle said joint naval drills in international waters of the Yellow Sea were not off the table.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Oct. 29 that the U.S. approved Seoul’s plan during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A joint information note released after the meeting detailed trade and security agreements, including Washington’s decision to lower tariffs on South Korean products from 25% to 15% and Seoul’s pledge of $350 billion in investments.
The note also confirmed U.S. approval of South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine and to reprocess spent nuclear fuel under new security arrangements.
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