Top US admiral says South Korea’s new submarine should keep China in check

SEOUL - The US wants South Korea to eventually deploy its newly approved nuclear-powered submarines to help counter China’s rapidly expanding fleet, calling it a responsibility expected of a key ally, according to a top US admiral.

“Utilisation of that submarine for countering China, I think, is a natural expectation with that type of capability,” Admiral Daryl Caudle, chief of US naval operations, said in Seoul on Nov 14. He spoke hours after

both nations released a fact sheet that put in writing US consent for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines.

“I think there will be a responsibility for Korea to deploy those submarines globally and move away from just being a regional navy to a global navy,” he said.

The unexpected US green light came after

a meeting between US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in late October.

Although the approval is a major win for South Korea after years of seeking nuclear-powered submarines, Adm Caudle’s comments expose another discrepancy in how the allies envision the project.

South Korea has said it wants the submarines to deter North Korea.

The two nations already appear divided over where the vessel should be built, its type and whether the US should get free vessels as part of the deal, according to people familiar with the matter.

It will also be many years before any of the submarines are built.

The talk of the new submarines comes at a delicate moment for Seoul as Mr Lee seeks to improve ties with Beijing. During his first visit to South Korea in 11 years in October, President Xi Jinping said Beijing was ready to deepen communication and cooperation with South Korea.

Adm Caudle said the US decision to help South Korea build nuclear-powered attack submarines is a “historic moment” for both, but acknowledged the process “will not be quick”.

The two nations would, among other issues, need to amend or find a way to reconcile their nuclear energy pact, which prohibits Seoul from using such fuel for military use. Scepticism lingers over the legal and policy hurdles both sides are expected to face. 

Adm Caudle said North Korean naval capabilities are still seen as a regional threat rather than a direct one to the US.

Although Pyongyang is working to obtain a submarine-launched ballistic missile, it still “has some ways to go before that’s credible”, he said.

Asked about the Latin America deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the admiral said he was not worried about its impact on the US navy’s readiness.

He said the Ford strike group has not been deployed for longer than originally scheduled.

“Deployment extensions are tough on our ships. They have impact on the readiness of our ships and the downstream maintenance of them,” he said. “When we commit to a seven-month deployment, I like to get back at the seven-month point and not have that extended.” BLOOMBERG