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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

IAEA Chief: 'Ironclad Assurances' Needed for South Korea's Nuclear Submarine Program

From Hankyoreh · (21h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, emphasized the need for "ironclad assurances" that South Korea's nuclear submarine program will not contribute to nuclear proliferation.
  • Grossi highlighted concerns about the potential use of highly enriched uranium in submarine fuel and the need for IAEA monitoring.
  • He stated that South Korea, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is subject to IAEA safeguards for all its nuclear activities.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has underscored the critical importance of robust safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation in the context of South Korea's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine program. During a press conference in Seoul, Grossi articulated the agency's position, emphasizing that any such program must be accompanied by "ironclad assurances" that it will not divert nuclear materials for weapons purposes.

It is important to secure ironclad assurances that it will not contribute to nuclear proliferation.

— Rafael GrossiIAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on the necessity of safeguards for South Korea's nuclear submarine program.

Grossi pointed to the unique challenges posed by nuclear submarines, noting that the nuclear materials used for their long-duration missions could potentially fall outside the standard scope of IAEA inspections. The concern is that highly enriched uranium, a key component for such reactors, could be diverted or misused. Therefore, the IAEA requires a comprehensive monitoring and inspection framework to ensure the peaceful use of these materials.

Various IAEA activities and inspections are necessary to confirm that nuclear material from submarines is not transferred elsewhere or diverted.

— Rafael GrossiIAEA Director General Grossi explaining the need for monitoring nuclear materials in submarine fuel.

South Korea, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is committed to international safeguards. Grossi affirmed that all nuclear-related activities within the country are subject to IAEA oversight. He indicated that discussions with South Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, would focus on establishing these necessary verification mechanisms.

All nuclear-related activities in South Korea are subject to inspection as South Korea is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

— Rafael GrossiIAEA Director General Grossi affirming South Korea's obligations under the NPT.

From a South Korean perspective, the development of a nuclear submarine is seen as a crucial step in enhancing national defense capabilities, particularly in deterring North Korean threats. However, international concerns about nuclear proliferation are significant. The IAEA's involvement is essential to allay these fears and ensure that South Korea's advancements in naval technology do not inadvertently create new security risks. The agency's role is to provide the international community with confidence that South Korea's nuclear program remains strictly for peaceful and defensive purposes, navigating a delicate balance between national security interests and global non-proliferation norms.

The process of introducing nuclear submarines does not happen overnight. It is a process that will take place over many steps, including research, production, and testing, over the next decade.

— Rafael GrossiIAEA Director General Grossi commenting on the long-term nature of developing nuclear submarine technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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