Overview
- The joint summit fact sheet and related trade documents remain unpublished, with military and industry sources tying the holdup to a US push to build the boats at a Philadelphia yard owned by Hanwha.
- President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly pointed to a Philadelphia build, while Seoul’s national security chief said discussions presumed construction in Korea.
- South Korea’s Defense Ministry clarified a televised remark by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back that was read as US backing for domestic construction, underscoring unresolved terms.
- The program hinges on US Department of Energy decisions over enriched-uranium fuel for propulsion, a separate hurdle from State or Pentagon processes highlighted by security experts.
- The Security Consultative Meeting statement is also on hold, with officials familiar with the draft saying it would, for the first time, commit to deterring “all regional threats” beyond North Korea.