Jonathan Fritz, senior deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. State Department, on the 3rd (local time) assessed that the agreement at the U.S.-Korea summit for Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine is a step reflecting the two countries' intent to coordinate in response to "regional threats," including China's military expansion.
At a forum co-hosted in Washington, D.C., by the Korea Foundation (KF) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Deputy Assistant Secretary Fritz said in a keynote speech, "President Trump has expressed U.S. support for Korea building a nuclear-powered submarine armed with conventional weapons," adding, "We will continue bilateral cooperation to address requirements and challenges."
He went on to say, "This is a clear example of bilateral cooperation that strengthens our collective deterrence capabilities against regional threats," emphasizing that the nuclear submarine project is part of a strategy to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific, beyond simple military cooperation.
The "regional threats" Fritz mentioned are understood to include not only North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations but also efforts to check China, which is expanding its military influence across the Indo-Pacific.
The "joint fact sheet" released after the U.S.-Korea summit also included approval for Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine and stated that the United States would "strengthen its conventional deterrence posture against all regional threats to the alliance, including North Korea." Diplomats interpreted the language as effectively aimed at China.
Fritz stressed, "The U.S.-Korea alliance is stronger now than ever, with clear continuity in key areas." He singled out extended deterrence through the nuclear umbrella, North Korea's denuclearization, and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea as the three core areas.
He said, "We will work with regional partners, including Korea, to uphold international maritime law and to secure peace and stability across a broad region, including the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea." He positively assessed Korea's shipbuilding industry and added that "cooperation with Seoul is closer than ever."
Fritz reiterated, "Our extended deterrence commitment remains firm," and "The United States is thoroughly coordinated in its position for the complete denuclearization of North Korea." He also said, "Korea is an absolutely essential partner in delivering President Trump's 'reindustrialization of America' pledge."
He went on to explain that Korean investment contributes to job creation in the United States, growth of the energy industry, enhancement of leadership in advanced technology, and strengthening of maritime security partnerships. To that end, he added, sustained participation and technical personnel from Korea are needed in key sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, AI, and quantum technology.
Emphasizing that "Korean experts in fields requiring precision manufacturing capabilities must be able to train U.S. workers through temporary visas," Fritz noted the U.S. government's expression of regret over the recent "Georgia incident" (arrest and detention of Korean workers). He said, "President Trump has also made clear that he welcomes the temporary entry of Koreans."
Meanwhile, Steve Biegun, former deputy secretary of state (special representative for North Korea policy in Trump's first term), who attended the forum, said, "North Korea's denuclearization is not over yet," but assessed that "North Korea will have no incentive to enter talks with the United States until the course of the war in Ukraine becomes clear."
Kurt Campbell, former deputy secretary of state (former Biden administration), said, "President Trump will not recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state," adding that if that were to happen, "it could trigger an unpredictable chain reaction."
Campbell praised President Lee Jae-myung's "MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again)" project, saying, "Korea's approach to shipbuilding has been impressive."