US Naval Chief Says South Korea’s Future Nuclear Sub Could ‘Naturally’ Be Used to Counter China

Seoul- The US Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, has said it would be a “natural expectation” for Washington that South Korea deploy its future nuclear-powered submarine to help counter China’s growing military influence.

His remarks come after the US formally approved South Korea’s plan to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine, as confirmed in a joint fact sheet following the October 29 summit between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Caudle said that the new submarine’s capabilities would naturally align with joint efforts to address what the US considers its “pacing threat” — China.
“With that type of capability, the United States would expect that partnership, working as an alliance, to meet our combined goals,” he said, adding that South Korea also shares significant concerns about China’s regional activities.

The US has repeatedly urged its allies to boost defence spending and contribute more actively to collective security amidst intensifying US–China rivalry.

During the Gyeongju summit, President Lee requested US support in securing nuclear fuel for conventionally armed submarines to enhance tracking of Chinese and North Korean vessels, saying this would ease operational burdens for US forces.

Caudle emphasised that a nuclear-powered submarine would elevate South Korea’s global responsibilities.
“As they say in Spider-Man, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Korea may need to move from being a regional navy to a global navy,” he said.

On whether the submarine would be constructed in South Korea or at a US shipyard owned by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha — as hinted by Trump — Caudle said that question should be directed to the White House.

Even without the nuclear submarine project, Caudle stressed the importance of a strong US–South Korea partnership to deter China’s “grey zone” activities. He noted that combined naval drills in the Yellow Sea to counter Chinese pressure were “not off the table.”

Caudle, who is visiting South Korean shipyards during his trip, said Seoul could play a “prominent” role in expanding US shipbuilding capacity. While combat ship cooperation faces legal barriers, the two countries can immediately collaborate on auxiliary ships, tankers, supply vessels, and car carriers.

Commenting on North Korea, the admiral said Pyongyang is not a naval threat to the US but must be monitored closely, particularly in areas like underwater drones and unmanned maritime technologies.

“I am concerned about unmanned capabilities under, on, and above the sea,” he said. “We must develop the right countermeasures to stay ahead of these evolving technologies.”

With inputs from IANS