Escalating Tensions: United States Nuclear Submarine Makes Historic Port Call in South Korea

For the first time in four decades, a United States nuclear-armed submarine (SSBN) made a port call in South Korea this week. According to recent news reports, this visit comes at a time of escalating tensions between the two Koreas, with North Korea increasing its military threats and pursuing weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons.

Strengthening Defense Cooperation

To address the growing security concerns, the US and South Korea have strengthened their defense cooperation. Joint military exercises and the deployment of advanced stealth jets and strategic assets have been undertaken. The inaugural Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meeting was held in Seoul, focusing on enhancing nuclear coordination and bolstering military readiness against North Korea.

The arrival of the American nuclear submarine in Busan—later confirmed and identified as the Ohio-class SSBN USS Kentucky—marks a significant development in the region. It demonstrates America’s commitment to its allies and sends a strong message of deterrence to North Korea. The last time a nuclear-armed submarine visited South Korea was in 1981, making this a noteworthy event.

During the NCG meeting, the US side emphasized its resolve to respond swiftly and decisively with overwhelming countermeasures should North Korea use nuclear weapons against South Korea. This firm stance aims to deter potential aggression and ensure the security and stability of the region.

North Korea’s Opposition

North Korea, as expected, voiced its opposition to the presence of US nuclear assets in the area, considering it a violation of its sovereignty. Moreover, Pyongyang condemned it and warned against further Allied plans to increase displays of military force, including the visit of a nuclear-armed submarine. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, dismissed the possibility of talks with the United States and warned that such actions would push Pyongyang further away from diplomatic negotiations.

Kim Yo Jong warns that "very unkind things" await if the U.S. does not withdraw its "hostile policy."

She justifies North Korea's recent missile launch as an act of self-defense, asserting their legitimate right to protect themselves.https://t.co/QIZ6FYodBM

— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) July 15, 2023

Deployment of Strategic Assets

The deployment of a nuclear-armed submarine to Seoul signifies Washington’s commitment to defending its allies and maintaining regional stability. It serves as a clear and tangible message to Pyongyang that any aggression or use of nuclear weapons will be met with a strong and immediate response.

The visiting sub, which was later confirmed by South Korea’s defense ministry as the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737), and other scheduled presence of US SSBNs in foreign ports is rare due to their reliance on stealth for survival and the preservation of their nuclear missile-launching capability during wartime. These Ohio-class submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” carry 20 Trident II D5 missiles, each capable of delivering up to eight nuclear warheads to targets as far as 12,000 km (7,500 miles) away.

A report by the Federation of American Scientists highlights that regular visits by SSBNs to South Korea were common in the 1970s, coinciding with internal debates in South Korea about the strength of the United States’ commitment and the potential need for its own nuclear arsenal. Understanding this historical context provides insight into the recurring discussions around security and defense arrangements in the region.

The presence of US strategic assets, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and long-range bombers, aims to deter North Korea’s increasingly powerful missile capabilities, which can now reach targets as distant as the United States. This deployment underscores the importance of maintaining a robust military presence to ensure regional peace and stability.

Enhancing Nuclear Planning and Coordination

The discussions during the NCG meeting on July 18 focused on various aspects of nuclear planning and coordination in response to nuclear threats in the region. According to Reuters, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo emphasized that the discussions were sufficient to deter South Korea from pursuing its own nuclear weapons program.

The agreement between the two allies includes establishing a secure communication network for information sharing and enhanced coordination and planning in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. It was stressed that such an attack would trigger an overwhelming response from the Allied forces.

The statement released after the meeting outlined plans for developing operations, exercises, simulations, training, and investment activities to strengthen the Korean Peninsula’s nuclear deterrence and response capabilities. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed that the NCG would serve as a starting point to build a robust deterrent against North Korea’s nuclear threats.

Apart from North Korea, China also condemned the formation of the NCG, sharing a similar view with Pyongyang on how this agreement only further escalates tensions in the region. However, a senior US administration official clarified that the group’s purpose primarily focuses on information sharing and transparency. The official emphasized the importance of providing South Korean allies with access to planning and understanding the considerations behind defense and deterrence strategies.

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As tensions persist on the Korean peninsula, the international community closely watches the evolving dynamics and hopes for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation. The deployment of strategic assets, including the Ohio-class SSBN, serves as a clear message of deterrence against North Korea’s aggressive actions. As the situation unfolds, international observers closely monitor developments and hope for a diplomatic resolution to ensure peace and stability in the region.