Overview
- At the inaugural Korea–U.S. Diplomatic Forum in Seoul, Acting Ambassador Kevin Kim cited recent Yellow Sea incidents to justify modernizing the alliance and pursuing nuclear-powered submarines.
- The joint U.S.–ROK fact sheet released last week grants U.S. approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack subs and to work with Washington on fuel sourcing and civil nuclear steps.
- The document also commits Seoul to raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP and outlines broader cooperation across trade, critical technologies and supply chains.
- Beijing objected to U.S. officials’ comments, with the Chinese Embassy in Seoul expressing “surprise and dissatisfaction” and urging Washington not to “stir up trouble,” following similar remarks by the U.S. Navy chief.
- The forum marked the launch of the Korea–U.S. Parliamentarians’ Union, a new channel intended to institutionalize legislative coordination supporting the expanded alliance agenda.