Seoul: The US chief of naval operations has said it will be a "natural expectation" if Washington anticipates that the South Korean Navy utilizes a nuclear-powered submarine, when built, to help counter Chinese threats. Adm. Daryl Caudle made the remarks as the United States officially approved South Korea's push to acquire what would be its first nuclear-powered submarine, South Korean News Agency (Yonhap) reported.
According to Qatar News Agency, Caudle commented, "Utilization of that submarine to counter China, I think is a natural expectation," during a session with reporters. He elaborated that with such capability, the United States expects a partnership working as an alliance to meet combined goals against what the US considers its pacing threat, China. Caudle noted that South Korea shares concerns about China, implying that such a capability should be integrated into their strategic considerations.
Washington has been encouraging allies to bolster their defense spending and contribute to "collective defense" to enhance cooperation amid an intensifying Sino-US rivalry. Caudle emphasized the strategic value of a nuclear-powered submarine, stating that it introduces a new level of deterrence capability. He acknowledged that operating such a vessel would increase the responsibilities of the South Korean Navy not only regionally but globally.
Caudle underscored the importance of the US-Korea partnership to maintain a strong deterrence mechanism. He highlighted the need for vigilance regarding North Korea's naval capabilities, mentioning that while North Korea is not a naval threat to the US, constant monitoring is essential to counter threats to South Korea, particularly with the development of underwater drone technology.
"I am concerned with the use of unmanned capabilities under the sea, on the sea and above the sea. It is something we have to watch very closely and build the correct countermeasures to make sure we're not impacted by those evolving technologies," Caudle stated.