West Sea developments prompted backing for Korean nuclear sub, says acting US envoy

Kevin Kim, acting U.S. ambassador to Korea, speaks during a forum in Seoul on Korea-U.S. relations, co-hosted by the Korea–U.S. Parliamentarians’ Union and the East Asia Foundation, Thursday. Yonhap

Acting U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kevin Kim said Thursday that events unfolding in the West Sea illustrate why the allies are moving to modernize their security alliance, a plan that includes Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

Speaking at a forum in Seoul, Kim stressed that Seoul and Washington must work together to address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, calling the Asian nation "a model ally willing to invest in its own defense."

"Look no further than what has happened in the Yellow Sea (West Sea) recently. That is why President Trump and President Lee agreed to modernize the U.S.-ROK alliance, increase Korea’s defense spending and seek new capabilities, such as nuclear-powered submarines, to meet that challenge," Kim said in his keynote speech. ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, Korea's official name.

Although Kim did not elaborate on recent developments in the West Sea, China has been installing artificial structures in the area. Beijing says the facilities support fishing activities, but critics see them as part of an effort to expand its maritime sovereignty.

U.S. officials have already hinted that Korea's plan to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine — made possible by U.S. approval for uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing — could help deter China's growing influence in the region.

Korean officials stress that the plan for nuclear-powered submarines is not targeted at any one country but is part of broader measures to reinforce national defense in the face of a changing security environment on the Korean Peninsula.

Later in the day, the Chinese Embassy in Korea rejected Kim's remarks, condemning U.S. officials for pitting countries against one another.

"The comments made by U.S. officials undermine the collaborative spirit of those meetings," an embassy spokesperson said in a stamtent, referring to respective bilateral summits held recently between Korea, China and U.S. leaders in Korea.

"We hope the U.S. side will do more to contribute to China-U.S., China-Korea and Korea-U.S. relations, rather than sowing discord or picking arguments," an embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

President Lee Jae Myung poses with U.S. President Donald Trump for a special dinner at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 29, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. AFP-Yonhap

Meanwhile, during the forum, referring to the Korea–U.S. joint fact sheet released earlier this month which outlines new security and trade agreements following two summits between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, the acting U.S. envoy said, "This is a simple recognition that America’s future depends on Korea, and Korea’s future depends on America."

"That historic document highlights the comprehensive nature of our relationship, touching on every facet of our U.S.-ROK alliance. Together, we will focus on rebuilding and expanding our cooperation on strategic industries to include shipbuilding, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and the technologies of tomorrow,” he said.

Kim added that recent progress between the allies has been possible because Seoul "is an ally that is willing to spend on its own defense, an ally that is willing to shoulder its own burdens and an ally that continues to support an enduring American presence on the Korean Peninsula."

His remarks come as the joint fact sheet commits Seoul to spending $25 billion on U.S. military equipment purchases by 2030 and providing $33 billion in comprehensive support for U.S. Forces Korea in accordance with domestic legal requirements.

Thursday's forum, co-hosted by the Korea–U.S. Parliamentarians' Union and the East Asia Foundation, brought together Korean lawmakers, senior diplomats and policy experts. The cross-party union, launched in March, aims to promote cooperation between the two countries' legislatures and serve as a platform for discussions on security and trade.

Among the participants were First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and Rep. Cho Jeong-sik of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, who co-chairs the parliamentarians’ union. U.S. Sen. Andrew Kim and Rep. Young Kim also delivered congratulatory remarks via pre-recorded video.