According to foreign media such as AFP, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on December 3 that although South Korea has reached an agreement with the United States, it is "practically very difficult" for the US to build a nuclear-powered submarine for South Korea, and related issues still require continued negotiations between the two sides.

The report pointed out that after US President Trump announced the "approval of South Korea's construction of a nuclear submarine," there are still significant differences between the US and South Korea on this project, and the specific construction location of the submarine remains unclear. On October 28, Trump posted on a social platform unilaterally stating: "South Korea will build its nuclear-powered submarine at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, yes, right here in the United States."

In response, Yoon Suk-yeol said at a press conference on December 3 that the issue "still requires continued negotiation." According to the Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo, Yoon Suk-yeol said: "President Trump suggested building the submarine at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in order to revitalize American manufacturing. However, from our perspective, it is actually extremely difficult to build a submarine there."

Yoon Suk-yeol added: "The US' actual capability to build submarines is very limited. I understand the desire to build submarines in the US, but we need to consider whether it is practically feasible. From our perspective, it would be more ideal to build it domestically in South Korea, because we have the most efficient facilities in the world, and this is true in terms of production costs, production time, and military security." He continued: "I have requested (Trump) to allow the supply of nuclear fuel and stated that we will build the submarine ourselves. This also requires a lot of discussion."

AFP reported that Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized that South Korea's consistent position is to build the submarine independently in its own country. He pointed out: "We are not asking for 'build it for us' or 'give us the technology.' Our position is clear, we will build it with our own technology, so please (the US side) approve the supply of the currently prohibited fuel."

The report noted that US nuclear submarine technology is considered one of the most sensitive and tightly protected secrets in the military field.

Photo source: South Korean media

Kong Erjun

Original: toutiao.com/article/7579892829703422464/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.