S Korea Wi says he discussed separate U.S. deal for nuclear submarine

Dec. 17 (Asia Today) -- South Korean National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak said he discussed with U.S. officials the possibility of pursuing nuclear-powered submarine construction under a separate bilateral agreement that would operate outside the existing U.S.-South Korea civil nuclear cooperation framework, which restricts the military use of nuclear material.

Wi made the remarks Tuesday (local time) after arriving at Dulles International Airport near Washington.

He said South Korea could look to Australia's case as a precedent, noting Canberra received an exception under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act that required a separate bilateral agreement.

"In Australia's case, an exception was granted under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which requires a separate bilateral agreement," Wi said. "Since we may need that too, we will discuss that possibility."

Australia entered a separate security framework with the United States and Britain in 2021 under the AUKUS partnership and is receiving support to build nuclear-powered submarines, the report said.

Wi is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as White House national security adviser, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington through Dec. 18, before returning to South Korea via New York, according to the report.

- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Read More

• South Korea says U.S. follow-up talks on summit fact sheet differ
• S. Korea audit agency narrows scope, drops reviews of major policies
• Korean Professor warns Judicial reforms may weaken checks and balances