Seoul scores diplomatic victory as Trump gives nod to nuclear sub plan

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — South Korea has received Washington's approval to build its first nuclear-powered submarine, in what analysts describe as a diplomatic win for Seoul in its long-sought bid to strengthen maritime power amid growing nuclear threats from North Korea. Observers say the move also underscores Seoul's deeper alignment with Washington's strategy to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region, which could provoke a backlash from Beijing. The agreement was reached following a summit on Wednesday between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. "I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered Submarines that they have now," Trump wrote on social media Thursday, referring to his meeting with Lee. In a separate post, Trump added that Seoul will build its first nuclear submarine at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, which is now owned by Hanwha Ocean, a major Korean defWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times