On November 1, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit where they discussed South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.
While the two nations didn’t delve deeply into the sensitive issue of nuclear submarine acquisition, China maintained its stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which includes both North and South Korea. This position is widely interpreted as an indirect opposition to South Korea’s submarine plans.
Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office, who attended both the summit and the state dinner at the Sono Calm Goyang, briefed reporters at the Gyeongju Media Center that evening.
When questioned about discussions on nuclear submarine acquisition, Wi stated that during this meeting, both leaders engaged in extensive dialogue on various issues between South Korea and China. This exchange was crucial in strengthening political trust between the nations.
He added that he can confirm that various security issues were addressed, including discussions on peace, safety, and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
Pressed about China’s position on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Wi clarified, while specific plans like dual suspension or parallel progress weren’t discussed, China’s stance on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is well-established. It’s been their long-standing position, meaning denuclearization for both North and South Korea.
Dual suspension refers to simultaneously halting North Korean provocations and U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. Parallel progress indicates advancing the denuclearization process alongside peace agreements. Recently, China has shifted its emphasis from dual suspension to parallel progress, with denuclearization encompassing both Koreas.
In essence, China’s reference to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be interpreted as opposition to South Korea’s nuclear submarine program. However, with U.S. negotiations still ongoing and the submarine acquisition not yet finalized, this issue remains a potential source of tension between South Korea and China.
Regarding negotiations with the U.S., Wi explained that they’ve primarily sought U.S. assistance with the fuel aspect of nuclear submarines. The U.S. must grant overall approval for the program.
He added that since the fuel can’t be used for military purposes, it needs U.S. approval. It has focused the efforts there, discussed the fuel issue, and received approval. Wi refrained from providing further details on these discussions.