US to send nuclear submarines to dock in South Korea for first time since 1980s
(VOVWORLD) - Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday signed an agreement that includes plans to have US nuclear-armed submarines dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years, a conspicuous show of support to Seoul amid growing concern about nuclear threats by North Korea.
 US to send nuclear submarines to dock in South Korea for first time since 1980s (photo: AFP/VNA) |
The White House released the agreement, and senior Biden administration officials spelled out the details ahead of time. The planned dock visits are a key element of what's being dubbed the "Washington Declaration," aimed at deterring North Korea from carrying out an attack on its neighbor.
It was unveiled as Mr. Biden hosts Yoon for a state visit during a moment of heightened anxiety for both leaders over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea over the last several months.
In return for the submarines, three senior White House officials said South Korea will reaffirm its commitment to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, known as the NPT, which bars countries from developing their own nuclear weapons.
At a White House Rose Garden press conference alongside his South Korean counterpart Wednesday, Mr. Biden confirmed plans for nuclear-capable submarines.