South Korea's nuclear submarine program set to escalate Indo-Pacific naval competition
By
Gabriel Dominguez
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
South Korea is pursuing nuclear-powered submarines to counter North Korean threats, a move that will intensify naval competition in the Indo-Pacific region. While Seoul frames the program as defensive against North Korea's growing missile and submarine capabilities, the decision has broader geopolitical implications, particularly alarming China and potentially straining relations with the US over nonproliferation concerns. The article examines South Korea's strategic calculations, the technical and diplomatic hurdles involved, and how this fits into the wider naval arms buildup across the Indo-Pacific involving China, Japan, Australia (AUKUS), and others.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSeoul insists its plan to build the ships is aimed at countering North Korea. But the decision carries implications far beyond this, with China watching particularly closely.
The nuclear-powered submarine USS Annapolis is greeted by South Korean Navy sailors upon its arrival at a naval base on Jeju Island, South Korea, in July 2023.
South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines represents a significant shift in the regional security landscape, potentially triggering a new arms race in underwater capabilities.
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