Defense ministry seeks talks with US on nuclear-powered sub fuel, aiming to conclude in 2 years

The defense ministry said Thursday it will seek to hold negotiations with the United States to gain access to fuel to build nuclear-powered submarines, with the aim of completing the envisioned talks within two years. The ministry outlined the plan during a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung earlier in the day, as Korea's push for nuclear-powered submarines has gained momentum with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Granting access to nuclear fuel for submarines requires a revision of a bilateral nuclear energy agreement between Korea and the U.S., but Korean officials have hinted at a standalone deal. Under the plan, the ministry will draw up a detailed blueprint next year covering Korea's principles for developing nuclear-powered submarines, construction plans and its stance on nuclear nonproliferation. It also plans to establish a pangovernment body to designate the project as a national strategic initiative, while preparing safety regulations and ordinances related to the use of nuclear reactors in submarines. The ministry also vowed to make progressWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times