US Approves South Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program Strengthening Alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved South Korea's construction of nuclear-powered submarines, marking a significant advancement in the U.S.-South Korea military alliance and a strategic enhancement to counter regional threats, including North Korea and China. This approval, announced following Trump's meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, involves technical support and fuel supply from the U.S., with the Hanwha Philly Shipyard playing a key role in the shipbuilding cooperation. South Korea's acquisition of nuclear submarine technology, a capability held by few nations and previously restricted under bilateral agreements, signals a major shift in regional military balance and reduces the burden on U.S. forces. The decision has drawn criticism from China, which urged adherence to non-proliferation commitments to maintain regional peace and stability. Alongside military cooperation, the U.S. and South Korea have finalized a new trade agreement, with South Korea agreeing to purchase substantial American oil and gas and invest heavily in the U.S., highlighting a broader economic partnership. The approval also addresses long-standing restrictions on South Korea's ability to reprocess nuclear fuel, essential for nuclear submarine propulsion, underscoring a deeper strategic alignment between the two allies.