Government Enacts Special Law on Nuclear-Powered Submarines; Codifies Principle of Non-Nuclear Armament

The government has decided to clarify that the nuclear-powered submarines being introduced to strengthen naval capabilities are for peaceful purposes and will not be used to manufacture or carry nuclear weapons. The intent is to prevent misunderstandings from the international community and avoid unnecessary sanctions by legally distinguishing the nuclear fuel used for submarine propulsion from that used for nuclear weapons. The government is initiating the procedures to enact a special law for the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and is pushing to include this non-armament principle in the text of the law.

On the 26th, the Minister of National Defense reported the basic plan for the development of nuclear-powered submarines during the first meeting of the Future Defense Strategy Council held in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province. The government has determined that securing low-enriched uranium nuclear fuel is necessary to operate the propulsion system.

The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) evaluated the inclusion of non-proliferation principles in the special law positively. However, the group pointed out that the law lacks an independent verification mechanism and sufficient congressional oversight authority. The CCEJ argued that establishing strategic operational principles and a system of democratic control should take precedence over the speed of the project.