Trump associate: President Lee's nuclear submarine, atomic energy deal comparable to Nixon's China visit

Fred Fleitz, a prominent figure within the America First policy sphere and former official in the Trump administration, has lauded the strategic agreement between South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and former President Donald Trump concerning nuclear-powered submarines and atomic energy cooperation. Writing for the National Security Strategy Research Institute, Fleitz elevates this accord to the historical significance of Nixon's opening to China, emphasizing its potential to reshape regional security dynamics.

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The agreement on nuclear technology cooperation between the leaders of South Korea and the United States is a landmark milestone in security cooperation between the two countries.

Fleitz's commentary, published by the Hankyoreh, highlights his view that the agreement represents a "landmark" in South Korea-U.S. security cooperation. He urges the Trump administration, should it return to power, to expedite the process, providing South Korea with comprehensive nuclear propulsion technology, reactor design support, and pathways for next-generation reactor development, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

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The Trump administration must work with Congress to promptly provide South Korea with comprehensive nuclear propulsion technology, reactor design support, cooperation on the nuclear fuel cycle, and pathways for the development of next-generation reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

From Fleitz's perspective, this agreement is a pragmatic response to the escalating threats in the region, including North Korea's nuclear arsenal and China's rapidly modernizing navy. He contends that South Korea's reliance on conventional diesel-electric submarines is no longer sufficient for deterrence, making the acquisition of advanced nuclear technology a strategic imperative. He also defends South Korea's nuclear ambitions against proliferation concerns, citing its status as a model NPT member while North Korea openly violates its obligations.

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The leaders of South Korea and the United States agreed in the joint fact sheet summarizing the results of two summit meetings last year to advance South Korea's construction of nuclear submarines and uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

This analysis, originating from a pro-Trump think tank, presents a unique framing. While Western media might focus on the potential geopolitical ramifications or the complexities of non-proliferation, Fleitz emphasizes the transactional and pragmatic nature of the deal. He praises Lee Jae-myung, a figure often associated with the progressive camp, for stepping outside traditional progressive stances to forge this strategic partnership with Trump, suggesting a shared vision for a robust security alliance based on mutual interest and a strong stance against regional adversaries. The Hankyoreh, by publishing this piece, offers its readership a glimpse into the strategic thinking of influential figures in American conservative circles regarding Korean security.

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In a situation where there are nuclear-armed adversaries on the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese navy is rapidly modernizing, South Korea can no longer maintain deterrence with conventional diesel-electric submarines alone.