The presidential office said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) containing the results of U.S.-Korea tariff and security negotiations and a "joint fact sheet" could be announced as early as this week. It said the government communicated with China regarding its push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the president, was asked at a briefing on the 3rd about the timing of the announcement of the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiation MOU and the joint fact sheet, and said, "There are no major differences between the two countries," adding, "By our own projection, we judge that it could be possible within this week."
Regarding the results of the trade talks, Kang said, "Working-level officials are satisfied and consider it a successful meeting and negotiation, but the president did not give such a positive answer," adding, "We still have many regrets."
The issue of supplying fuel for nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) was one of the key agenda items of the U.S.-Korea summit. On why President Lee Jae-myung's request for nuclear-powered submarine fuel supply was accepted by President Donald Trump, Chief of Staff Kang explained, "At the time North Korea released its nuclear(-powered) submarine, we persuaded China and the United States that we needed to be more prepared and ready to respond accordingly."
Asked about the process of persuading China, he said, "As this is a diplomatic matter, it is not appropriate to disclose the specific process," but added, "Since North Korea has declared possession of a nuclear(-powered) submarine, the Republic of Korea must also have corresponding capabilities, which we explained, and I believe (China) was persuaded."
The fact sheet is said to have entered the phase of fine-tuning the wording between the two countries. In particular, the issue of approval for supplying nuclear-powered submarine fuel is reportedly virtually agreed upon.
Kang Yu-jung, Spokesperson for the presidential office, said in an earlier briefing, "Because the joint fact sheet must cover both trade and security, discussions are proceeding across the board."
An official at the presidential office added, "National security adviser Wi Sung-lac said (the fact sheet talks are currently) in the language coordination stage. Work is being done on language and wording adjustments."
On whether the fact sheet would include content related to the supply of nuclear-powered submarine fuel, the official said, "Wi said, 'For the part on nuclear fuel, only the president's approval is needed, and since President Trump gave approval, it is a settled matter.'" He added, "Wi also said, 'To use nuclear fuel for military purposes, approval from the secretary of energy or the Congress, and changes to the nuclear cooperation agreement, may be necessary.'"