GYEONGJU, October 30 (AJP) - After concessions over upfront cash payment in the $350 billion investment package from South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump gave a go-ahead to Korean production of nuclear-powered submarine in a show of "stronger-than-ever" bilateral relations, indicating upgrade in military ties to the highest level, given Washington's protectiveness of nuclear submarine technology.
"I have given them approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered submarines that they have now," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account after he accepted President Lee Jae Myung’s argument for Seoul’s need to transition from diesel to nuclear propulsion in their second face-to-face summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Gyeongju.
"This decision marks a historic step in advancing our security cooperation," he added.
Washington shares its nuclear submarine technology with only a select few — the United Kingdom and Australia — underscoring the sensitivity and significance of Trump’s approval.
Trump, who was adorned with a gold-glittering ancient crown and awarded South Korea’s highest honor during his visit, declared the bilateral alliance “stronger than ever,” calling Lee “a great president of South Korea.”
The nuclear-powered submarine will be built at Philly Shipyard, which was purchased last year by Korea’s Hanwha Group.
Trump’s endorsement came shortly after Seoul and Washington finalized details of the $350 billion investment pledge, including $150 billion dedicated to shipbuilding cooperation.
A separate White House fact sheet said Korean Air will purchase 103 new Boeing aircraft valued at $26.2 billion, along with GE Aerospace engines worth $13.7 billion.
Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for a two-day trip. He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday amid an escalating U.S.-China trade war.
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