South Korea’s Cho Commits to Dialogue, Submarine Drive, and Nuclear Enrichment After U.S. Summits
Updated (3 articles)
Cho Announces Dual‑Track Peace Strategy Foreign Minister Cho Hyun pledged to pursue Korean‑peninsula peace through direct dialogue with North Korea while simultaneously strengthening deterrence against threats[1]. He delivered the commitment at a South Korea‑U.S. Parliamentarians Union event, framing the two Korea‑U.S. summits earlier this year as the diplomatic foundation for this approach[1]. Cho emphasized the urgency of negotiating the joint fact sheet that emerged from those summits[1].
Joint Fact Sheet Details Energy and Defense Cooperation The summit‑produced fact sheet includes provisions for civil uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes[1]. It also records U.S. approval for Seoul’s development of nuclear‑powered submarines, marking a deepening of defense technology collaboration[1]. These items signal a coordinated push on both energy security and advanced naval capabilities[1].
Summits Provide Reference Point for Implementation Cho highlighted the August and October Korea‑U.S. summits as reference points for building security, peace, and the joint commitments outlined in the fact sheet[1]. He called for swift and proper implementation of the agreed terms, noting that the summits set the agenda for forthcoming negotiations[1]. The dual‑track approach aims to balance deterrence with diplomatic engagement[1].
Upcoming Talks Target Submarine Program and Enrichment Cho announced that Seoul will hold talks with Washington in the coming year to advance the nuclear submarine program and uranium enrichment efforts[1]. These discussions are intended to operationalize the joint fact sheet’s provisions and solidify bilateral cooperation[1]. The planned talks underscore a continued commitment to both defense modernization and civilian nuclear development[1].
Timeline
Aug 2025 – South Korea and the United States hold their first summit of the year, laying groundwork for a joint fact sheet that later underpins cooperation on civil nuclear projects and nuclear‑powered submarines. The meeting signals a deepening security and energy partnership amid a volatile regional environment. [1]
Oct 2025 – The second Korea‑U.S. summit concludes, finalizing the joint fact sheet that outlines Seoul’s pursuit of uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing, and U.S. backing for nuclear‑powered submarines. The summit reinforces a dual‑track strategy of deterrence and diplomatic outreach to North Korea. [1]
Nov 13 2025 – The U.S.–South Korea joint fact sheet is released, detailing a deterrence roadmap that includes President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine program and a pledge to raise South Korean defense spending to 3.5 % of GDP. The document serves as the reference point for subsequent diplomatic statements. [3]
Dec 3 2025 – In a video address to a Washington‑based CSIS/Korea Foundation forum, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stresses that “deterrence alone is insufficient” and calls for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang to prevent accidental conflict. He also highlights the necessity of a South Korea‑Japan‑U.S. trilateral framework to counter Russian and Chinese influence. [3]
Dec 9 2025 – Cho tells the NCAFP delegation that Seoul will “accelerate cooperation with the United States in atomic energy and nuclear‑powered submarines,” citing the August and October summits as a milestone. He pledges close communication across all channels to push ahead on nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and submarine development. [2]
Dec 22 2025 – Cho vows that “peace on the Korean Peninsula should be pursued through dialogue with Pyongyang and other relevant nations,” reiterating the dual‑track approach of bolstering deterrence while engaging diplomatically. He announces plans for next‑year talks with Washington on submarines and uranium enrichment, building on the joint fact sheet’s commitments. [1]