SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed plans to move ahead with South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and other key alliance issues during the 57th Security Consultative Meeting held Tuesday at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan.
The two discussed follow-up measures from last month's summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Gyeongju, where Trump approved South Korea's plan to develop a nuclear-powered submarine.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Hegseth said that Washington "fully supports" the initiative and confirmed that Trump's authorization remains valid. "President Trump wants America's allies to strengthen their own defense capabilities," he said. "South Korea represents a model ally in that regard, and we will actively support this effort while coordinating closely with related agencies such as the State Department and the Department of Energy."
He added that both sides would continue to discuss the program in good faith and expressed confidence that it would lead to a positive outcome. Hegseth also noted South Korea's "world-class shipbuilding capabilities," saying the U.S. government hopes to expand cooperation beyond submarines to surface and combat vessels as well.
Asked whether South Korea plans to pursue nuclear weapons, Ahn replied, "There will never be nuclear weapons development in the Republic of Korea." He emphasized that South Korea, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, "cannot and will not possess nuclear arms," calling denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula an "unshakable commitment."
The ministers also reviewed progress on the transfer of wartime operational control, a long-standing alliance issue. South Korea has completed its Full Operational Capability assessment, and verification procedures are underway. Both sides exchanged views on the timeline for completing the transition.
Ahn briefed Hegseth on Seoul's plan to raise defense spending, and Hegseth welcomed the move, saying he was encouraged by South Korea's decision to invest more in missile and cybersecurity capabilities.
The two also discussed the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea. When asked whether U.S. troops could be deployed in the event of a Taiwan Strait crisis, Hegseth stressed that Washington remains committed to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula while ensuring regional readiness. He added that South Korea would take the lead in conventional defense against North Korea while continuing close coordination with the United States.
The Security Consultative Meeting, the highest-level defense coordination forum between the two countries, is held alternately in Seoul and Washington each year. Officials said this year's joint statement will be released after both governments finalize the fact sheet on security and trade issues from the Lee-Trump summit.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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