South Korea, U.S. launch security talks on nuclear energy, submarines

South Korea and the United States commenced security consultations in Seoul on Tuesday, aiming to implement agreements reached during their leaders' summit. These talks, occurring about six months after the release of a joint fact sheet following the November summit, mark the first concrete steps towards cooperation on uranium enrichment, spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, nuclear-powered submarines, and shipbuilding.

The inaugural meeting began at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, co-chaired by South Korea's chief negotiator, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yun-ju, and the U.S. lead delegate, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Victoria Nuland. Representatives from various U.S. government bodies, including the White House, State Department, and Department of Energy, are participating, alongside their South Korean counterparts from the presidential National Security Office, Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, and others.

Assistant Secretary Nuland, when questioned by reporters about the U.S. openness to amending or establishing new nuclear and nuclear submarine agreements, did not provide a direct answer as she entered the venue. The U.S. delegation includes officials such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Wiles, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Christopher Klein, NSC Director for East Asia Ivan Kanapathy, and Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the Department of Energy Matthew Nappo.

The primary objective of this initial meeting is to clarify each nation's negotiation priorities and desired outcomes for nuclear energy, nuclear submarines, and shipbuilding. Both Seoul and Washington acknowledge the urgency of moving forward with practical discussions, given the delay in the talks' commencement.

South Korea is emphasizing the peaceful use of nuclear energy in its pursuit of uranium enrichment and reprocessing capabilities, aiming to alleviate U.S. concerns regarding nuclear proliferation. Discussions surrounding the construction and fuel supply for nuclear-powered submarines are also a significant focus. The two nations plan to hold subsequent negotiation rounds in Seoul and Washington alternately, following the conclusion of the first meeting in Seoul on Wednesday.

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Are the United States open to amending or establishing new nuclear and nuclear submarine agreements? Will there be a conclusion by the end of the year?