China Voices 'Threat' Over Expanded South Korean Security Role
China has officially expressed concern regarding South Korea's expanding security role, signaling a cautious stance towards shifts in the Korean Peninsula's security landscape. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated during a regular press briefing on the 16th that "any actions that undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia are unacceptable," clearly opposing changes in South Korea's security policy. The spokesperson added, "Relevant countries should abandon Cold War mentalities and play a constructive role for regional peace and stability."
The United States supports South Korea's expanded security role and has expressed its willingness to assist in the construction of nuclear-powered attack submarines. According to a joint statement released on the 14th following the South Korea-U.S. summit, the United States agreed to support South Korea's construction of nuclear-powered attack submarines. This is expected to contribute to strengthening South Korea's naval power and promoting regional security cooperation.
President Lee Jae-myung explained the necessity of possessing nuclear submarines at the South Korea-U.S. summit in Gyeongju on the 29th of last month, stating it was "for tracking North Korean and Chinese submarines." President Lee emphasized South Korea's commitment to strengthening its security independence and contributing to maintaining regional peace. U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, stated at a press conference with domestic and foreign reporters in Seoul on the same day, in response to a question about whether South Korea acquiring nuclear submarines would help deter China, "It's a natural prediction to utilize those submarines to deter China." This is interpreted as revealing the United States' expectations for South Korea's role in its strategy to check China.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense stated regarding the plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, "It is to strengthen deterrence against North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) threat and enhance the ability to protect maritime sovereignty." The Ministry of National Defense also added, "We will proceed transparently and responsibly, taking into consideration relations with neighboring countries." Some quarters have raised concerns that South Korea's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines could intensify the arms race in Northeast Asia. However, the South Korean government is working to dispel these concerns, emphasizing that "it will not pursue nuclear armament and will adhere to the principle of non-proliferation."
China's latest stance is analyzed as reflecting concerns about the strengthening of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the expansion of South Korea's security role. Attention is focused on future South Korea-China relations and the security situation in Northeast Asia. Experts point out that it is important for South Korea to find a balance between strengthening its security sovereignty and maintaining regional peace. Furthermore, they emphasize the need to resolve misunderstandings and build trust through communication and cooperation with neighboring countries. The South Korean government has stated that it will continue to pursue both strengthening its defense capabilities and diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries, and will play a constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
