President Donald Trump’s declaration that he was allowing South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines is being met with caution and scepticism. Analysts say the US leader’s announcement, while politically dramatic, leaves unresolved questions about feasibility, cost and the potential for nuclear proliferation.
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“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 his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
“South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol’ USA. Shipbuilding in our Country will soon be making a BIG COMEBACK. Stay tuned!!!”
Hanwha Group, which acquired the Philly Shipyard last year for US$100 million, has announced a US$5 billion infrastructure plan as part of South Korea’s commitment to supporting the growth of the US shipbuilding industry through a US$150 billion investment fund.
Trump posted the messages following a summit with President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday. Lee had called for Trump to approve the acquisition of enriched uranium to fuel the nuclear-powered submarines that Seoul wanted to build.
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