A U.S. Navy official stated on the 9th (local time) that South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines must be backed by clear purposes rather than merely symbolic dimensions.

This remark is drawing attention as it comes while South Korea has been actively pushing for cooperation on building nuclear submarines following last year's South Korea-U.S. summit and continuing follow-up consultations with the U.S. side.

Meeting with journalists from the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea, the U.S. Navy official was asked about South Korea's introduction of nuclear submarines and said, "South Korea needs to find valid reasons for having to possess nuclear-powered submarines."

The official explained, "If South Korea is purchasing nuclear submarines just for the symbolism of national prestige, that would be the wrong reason, because it is an enormously costly endeavor."

The official then introduced the fact that previously, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle mentioned regarding South Korea's push for nuclear submarines that "if South Korea never ventures outside its neighboring waters, nuclear submarines would not be necessary."

Emphasizing the point, the official added, "We cannot determine that reason for you. South Korea must find valid reasons on its own."

During his visit to South Korea in November of last year, Adm. Caudle stated regarding South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines, "It is a natural prediction that those submarines would be utilized to deter China."

He also remarked, "It is entirely possible for South Korea to operate nuclear submarines in waters around its own country and for us to operate alongside South Korean submarines in that environment."

These remarks from the U.S. Navy have sparked interpretations implying that for South Korea's possession of nuclear submarines to become a reality, discussions must follow regarding the necessity and role of participating in operations across broader Indo-Pacific waters, going beyond the mission of deterring North Korea around the Korean Peninsula.

However, to more clearly explain the intent of the official's remarks, the U.S. Navy sent an additional official stance to media outlets, stating, "(Military) asset-related requirements must be determined based on national security needs and operational execution."

Regarding the mention of finding a "valid basis" for possessing nuclear submarines, the U.S. Navy additionally explained, "Operating advanced underwater capabilities requires extensive specialized training, maintenance and repair infrastructure, and operational proficiency to utilize them effectively."

This is interpreted as an emphasis on the principle that national security needs, operational necessities, and the operational capabilities to back them up must be comprehensively considered when reviewing the introduction of nuclear submarines.

In addition, regarding the possibility that North Korea's submarine capabilities could be reinforced through Russia's support, the U.S. Navy official said, "Russia helping North Korea is concerning," and added, "If they possess a large number of submarines with substantial performance, it could become a considerable force."

Nevertheless, noting that North Korea's possession of submarines itself does not directly mean practical operational capabilities, the official evaluated, "So far, we have not seen signs that would cause us serious concern."

Regarding South Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation, the official evaluated South Korean shipbuilding companies as being at the "world's highest level" while pointing out that the U.S. currently lacks the capacity to build and maintain vessels at the required speed.

Expectations were also expressed that South Korea's skilled workforce and systematic shipbuilding process know-how could contribute to strengthening the U.S. Navy's vessel construction and maintenance capabilities.

However, regarding the issue of repairing and maintaining U.S. Navy ships at overseas shipyards outside the United States, such as in South Korea or Japan, the official stated, "There are legal constraints on what we can do outside the U.S. Unless the laws are amended, there will always be limitations."

(Photo: Provided by U.S. Navy, Yonhap News)