South Korea should acquire nuclear submarine technology: Presidential candidate Lee Jae-Myung

Seoul/Washington: – Presidential candidate Lee Jae-Myung adopted an aggressive stand that South Korea needs to acquire nuclear submarine technology to counter North Korean threats. While making the statements during an interview, Myung mentioned the AUKUS deal signed by Australia with the United States and the United Kingdom. The current South Korean government had adopted a cautious stand regarding the deal. Therefore, the stand adopted by the Presidential candidate becomes significant.

Presidential elections are scheduled to be held next year in South Korea. The current South Korean President Moon Jae-in has selected Lee Jae-Myung as the Presidential candidate of the Democrat party. Myung has gained popularity given his aggressive measures against the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic policies and some surveys show that he is leading his opponents. Against this background, his statements regarding nuclear submarines become significant.

In October, North Korea conducted a missile test from a submarine. Aggressive reactions had emanated from South Korea over the trial. The military and the lawmakers demanded that South Korea develop submarines. Lee Jae Myung has reiterated the demand and has indicated that the matter may be pursued with the United States. Myung said during the interview that he would make efforts to get the United States to cooperate on a diplomatic and technical level. He mentioned the AUKUS deal at this time.

Myung said ‘South Korea must possess nuclear submarines. The submarines to be given to Australia are not equipped with weapons, but the technology is being transferred to them. It is necessary that South Korea also makes efforts to receive this technology.’ At the same time, he dismissed the possibility of collaborating with France for these submarines. Myung also brought up the issue of tensions between the United States and China. Myung adopted an aggressive stand saying ‘There is no need for South Korea to adopt an unclear stand in this conflict. Instead, these countries must clarify their stand regarding South Korea.’

In September, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia signed a comprehensive defence agreement to counter the hegemonic Chinese activities in the Indo-Pacific region. As per this agreement named the ‘AUKUS deal’, the United States and the United Kingdom will be supplying eight nuclear submarines to Australia. There also has been an agreement to cooperate in the Long-Range Missiles, Cyber Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies sectors.