President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the achievement of securing a nuclear-powered submarine during the U.S.-South Korea summit on Wednesday, clearly stating his stance on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. He mentioned that the country is also seeking ways to share achievements with the U.S. regarding the production of enriched uranium. President Lee expressed a willingness to improve inter-Korean relations and indicated that the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s actions, such as the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets, warrant an apology.
Lee, The achievement of Securing a Nuclear-Powered Submarine… It cannot and does not need to Become Nuclear-Armed.
During a press conference at the Blue House celebrating one year of democracy restoration, he discussed the outcomes of his two summits with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the fact that it can secure a nuclear-powered submarine is a very useful result in terms of strategic flexibility and autonomy.
Lee added that while nuclear-powered submarines are used for military purposes, they are not nuclear weapons and thus do not fall under the controversy of nuclear non-proliferation. It must respect the issue of nuclear non-proliferation as an international principle, and it fully agrees with that.
He continued that the issues of nuclear fuel, uranium enrichment, and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel have no direct relation to non-proliferation. If South Korea were to arm itself with nuclear weapons, it would trigger a nuclear domino effect, leading to severe sanctions and making us like North Korea. Can the economy withstand that? It cannot do it, nor does it need to.
He remarked that the previous Yoon administration excessively provoked North Korea, attempting to impose martial law, but North Korea did not respond. Lee stated that they likely conducted many operations without detection, but they are quiet. Instead, North Korea is cutting off railways and roads and building barriers to prevent incursions. This is the military reality on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee stated that it is preferable to build nuclear submarines domestically. He explained that when he mentioned that it would import 30% of our enriched uranium from Russia, President Trump suggested, If you produce it yourself, there will be plenty left. Let’s go into partnership, and it agreed to a 50-50 partnership. He added that he entrusted that partnership to Secretary of Commerce Ross. The discussions went well.
Regarding the location for building the submarines, Lee noted that President Trump suggested it could be constructed at the Philadelphia shipyard from the perspective of reviving American manufacturing. It needs to continue discussions, but from its viewpoint, producing them there is practically difficult.
He continued that the U.S. submarine construction capacity is very limited, and it seems there are constraints on its building capabilities. From its perspective, producing them domestically, where it has the world’s best shipbuilding efficiency, is the most cost-effective and time-efficient option, both economically and from a military and security standpoint.
Lee also mentioned that if discussing U.S.-Korea joint military exercises is necessary for creating dialogue conditions with North Korea, he’s open to that.
He pointed out that currently, there is no communication channel, not even a pinhole, between South Korea and North Korea. North Korea is completely rejecting our attempts to reach out.
Lee added that he believes that improving U.S.-North Korea relations will help resolve or alleviate issues on the Korean Peninsula. It will create objective conditions to facilitate communication and cooperation whenever possible.
He emphasized that if the U.S. needs strategic leverage, it can certainly discuss those matters, as it may help the U.S. in opening negotiation or dialogue channels with North Korea. He stated that it will continue to act as mediators to create an environment, and fundamentally, it must take the initiative to resolve issues on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee stressed that it is crucial to manage South Korea-China relations stably… he hopes to visit China soon.
He noted that the situation has become challenging, as it is difficult to divide our economic ties with China and security ties with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of managing South Korea-China relations effectively.
Lee stated that it should focus on areas of cooperation, such as culture, economy, and civilian exchanges, and also discuss security cooperation for stability in Northeast Asia. It is not desirable for conflicts to escalate to military confrontations.
He expressed that he hopes to visit China as soon as possible for a comprehensive summit, discussing various fields with ample time. He mentioned that he had told President Xi Jinping after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that he would like to visit China this year, and Xi responded that they would try to make it happen, though preparations might take longer than expected.
Lee remarked on the Japan-China conflict, stating that if it take sides, it will only escalate tensions… It should find a way for coexistence.
He added that in terms of historical issues between South Korea and Japan, it is clear that they have not been resolved neatly, but it does not need to give up other areas because of this.
Lee stated that from a mutually beneficial standpoint, it should find ways to help each other and discuss unresolved issues gradually to resolve them.
Regarding the Dokdo issue, he said that the emotional conflict surrounding Dokdo is not a realistic conflict. It is clearly South Korea’s territory, which it effectively controls. No one can change that. While ignoring it might be the best approach, it also has emotional elements.
Lee expressed hope for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that due to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, international sanctions continue, and South Korea is participating in sanctions against Russia. He added that he hopes for the swift resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war from a humanitarian and global peace perspective.
He acknowledged that the North Korea-Russia relationship is developing in an unfavorable direction for South Korea but stated that it cannot give up. It must work to prevent further deterioration and improve the situation. He also mentioned his ongoing efforts to maintain communication with Russia, saying that he’s willing to meet if necessary, but it is currently very difficult.