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2d ago

South Korea, U.S. Set Stand-Alone Pact Talks on Nuclear-Powered Submarines

Officials outline a Section 91 pathway modeled on AUKUS coupled with a pledge to use only low-enriched fuel.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac briefs on his trip to the United States, Canada and Japan during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Dec. 24, 2025. (Yonhap)
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac briefs on his trip to the United States, Canada and Japan during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Dec. 24, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Seoul and Washington agreed to pursue a separate agreement for nuclear-powered submarine cooperation and to start working-level consultations early next year.
  • Seoul is seeking a U.S. legal exception under Section 91 of the Atomic Energy Act to enable transfers tied to submarine reactors, with the plan centered on low-enriched uranium below 20 percent rather than highly enriched fuel.
  • Wi said the talks will proceed topic by topic with a U.S. working-level delegation visiting South Korea, and both sides intend to set progress checkpoints for review later next year.
  • South Korea reaffirmed nonproliferation commitments as it explores enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing issues, noting current bilateral rules largely bar domestic enrichment and necessitate a separate pact.
  • China urged Seoul to act with prudence over the prospective cooperation and warned of nonproliferation risks, echoing criticism that the AUKUS precedent could weaken NPT norms.