Trump authorizes South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is preparing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping “within hours,” expressing anticipation for the high-level talks aimed at addressing trade and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement came through Trump’s Truth Social account, where he shared his expectations for what he described as a “constructive discussion.”

South Korea to pay $350 billion in trade adjustment

In his statement, Trump disclosed that South Korea has agreed to pay $350 billion to facilitate a reduction in U.S. customs tariffs. The deal reportedly includes major purchases of American oil and gas, signaling Washington’s push to balance trade and strengthen economic ties with one of its closest Asian allies.

Nuclear-powered submarine project approved

As part of the defense partnership, Trump confirmed that South Korea will now be permitted to develop and build nuclear-powered submarines, replacing its current diesel fleet. The move is seen as a major shift in Seoul’s naval capabilities, likely to influence the regional balance of power amid ongoing tensions with North Korea and China.

Strategic cooperation and regional implications

Officials in Washington suggest the agreement could lead to over $600 billion in South Korean investments tied to U.S. industries. Analysts note that the expansion of nuclear naval technology to Seoul reflects deepening military coordination under the U.S. alliance system—an arrangement Türkiye has often supported through its own defense collaborations with NATO members.