South Korea to enshrine nuclear pledge in law

South Korea is preparing legislation that would legally reaffirm its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation while it moves ahead with plans to

SEOUL: South Korea is preparing legislation that would legally reaffirm its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation while it moves ahead with plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines.

The proposed bill is expected to be released for public consultation by the Defence Ministry. It will set out five key principles governing the country’s nuclear-powered submarine programme.

If approved, the legislation would formally establish in domestic law Seoul’s pledge not to develop, produce, possess or use nuclear weapons.

The proposed law would also prevent the government from using nuclear materials specifically for weapons-related purposes. It would prohibit activities that could weaken the international nuclear non-proliferation system.

The move is aimed at addressing concerns that South Korea’s submarine programme could eventually lead to a domestic nuclear weapons capability.

The legislation would reaffirm Seoul’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It would also require cooperation with international organisations during the development of the submarines.

The proposed framework would include safeguards for public safety and environmental protection against radioactive materials.

The government also wants to speed up the submarine programme. The proposed law would reportedly allow the project to bypass a preliminary feasibility study.

South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine project, known as Jang Bogo N, involves plans for attack submarines powered by low-enriched uranium.

The programme is being developed with US approval. The two countries reached an agreement on the project during a leaders’ summit last October.

Seoul plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s. The vessel is expected to enter operational service later in the decade.

Defence authorities are reportedly considering three submarines weighing about 8,000 tonnes each. However, official technical details have not yet been released.

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has previously stressed that the country will continue to follow its international non-proliferation commitments.

Seoul also plans to work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency throughout the programme.