US media: The US has a disadvantage in submarine numbers in the Pacific, and South Korea plans to provide assistance. South Korea hopes to join the elite group of nuclear-powered submarines, and President Trump has expressed support.
If South Korea possesses nuclear submarines, it can more effectively alleviate the patrol pressure of US submarines in the relevant area. South Korea is capable of building nuclear submarines, but needs the US to lift restrictions on nuclear fuel reprocessing.
South Korea plans to build nuclear submarines domestically to achieve technology transfer, but President Trump mentioned that they would be built at the Philadelphia Shipyard in the US, causing controversy. Experts estimate that South Korea will need at least 10 years to obtain nuclear submarines, and must overcome multiple challenges including technology, funding, and geopolitical factors.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852088261508160/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.