格隆汇2月24日｜韩国《东亚日报》不具名援引一位韩国政府官员消息称，美国代表团原计划访问韩国 讨论根据双边安全协议建造核动力潜艇的事宜，但此次访问已被搁置。报道称，有迹象显示，美国正在 暂缓安全磋商，直到美国最高法院关税裁决引发的相关情势得到解决。韩国外交部此前表示，美方计划 在2月份进行可能的访问。 ...

Group 1 - Japan's Defense Minister, Koizumi Shinjiro, visited the US Navy's Yokosuka base and toured a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, indicating Japan's interest in acquiring next-generation submarines, including nuclear-powered ones [1] - Multiple civic groups in Japan protested against the government's pursuit of nuclear submarines, arguing that it contradicts Japan's "defensive posture" and escalates regional tensions [3] - A senior official from the Japanese Prime Minister's office suggested that Japan should possess nuclear weapons due to the increasingly severe security environment, which has drawn strong criticism from various political figures and organizations [3] Group 2 - China's Foreign Ministry expressed serious concern over Japan's potential move to acquire nuclear weapons, warning that it reflects a dangerous ambition to break international law and revive militarism [4] - The Chinese government highlighted Japan's recent military policy adjustments, including self-relaxation of collective self-defense rights and attempts to modify its "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," indicating a trend towards re-militarization [4]

Core Viewpoint - India is set to pay approximately $2 billion to Russia for the lease of a nuclear-powered submarine, finalizing negotiations that have lasted nearly a decade, coinciding with President Putin's visit to New Delhi [1][3]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The negotiations for leasing the nuclear submarine had stalled for years due to pricing issues, but an agreement has now been reached [3]. - Indian officials visited a Russian shipyard in November to inspect the submarine, which is expected to be delivered within two years, although delays may occur due to project complexity [3]. - The lease contract includes maintenance terms, and the submarine will not be used in actual combat, primarily serving to assist India in training sailors and improving nuclear submarine operations while building its own fleet [3]. Group 2: Strategic Context - The submarine will be in service with the Indian Navy for ten years, following the return of the last leased nuclear submarine to Russia in 2021 [3]. - Ahead of Putin's visit, the Chief of Naval Staff of India indicated that an attack submarine is set to enter service soon, although specific details were not provided [3]. - Putin's visit marks his first trip to India since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to strengthen defense and energy cooperation between the two nations [3].

Core Viewpoint - Japan needs to consider the development of nuclear-powered submarines as part of its defense strategy [1] Group 1 - The statement was made by Shinjiro Koizumi, highlighting the importance of enhancing Japan's maritime capabilities [1] - The discussion comes amid increasing regional tensions and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region [1]

Core Viewpoint - The discussions between South Korea and the United States regarding South Korea's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines have gained significant attention, with U.S. Defense Secretary confirming support for the initiative, while also highlighting the complexities involved in negotiations and regional implications [1][2][3]. Group 1: Nuclear Submarine Acquisition - South Korea's Defense Minister confirmed that U.S. President Trump has approved the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, with the U.S. military pledging full support [1][2]. - The first nuclear-powered submarine for South Korea is expected to be launched in the mid-2030s, contingent upon successful negotiations for nuclear fuel supply with the U.S. [2][4]. - The construction of these submarines is seen as a sensitive international issue, potentially leading to an arms race in the region [1][3][5]. Group 2: Bilateral Defense Relations - The U.S. is willing to deepen cooperation with South Korea in various naval capabilities, including submarines and surface vessels, as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry [2][3]. - Discussions also included South Korea's plans to increase its defense budget and enhance the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea [6]. - There are concerns that the reliance on U.S. support for defense initiatives may lead to a deeper dependency, complicating South Korea's strategic autonomy [5][7]. Group 3: Regional Security Dynamics - Analysts warn that South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines could disrupt the strategic balance in Northeast Asia, potentially escalating military tensions [3][5]. - The ongoing negotiations are expected to address critical issues such as construction locations, technology transfer, and nuclear fuel acquisition, which are likely to be contentious [3][6]. - The relationship between South Korea and the U.S. remains strong, but recent events indicate growing complexities and divergences in their defense and economic dealings [6][7].

Group 1 - The core agreement between the US and Australia focuses on a critical minerals deal aimed at countering China's influence, with a projected value of $85 billion [1] - Both governments will invest $1 billion each in mining and processing projects over the next six months, establishing minimum price floors for critical minerals [1][5] - The US Export-Import Bank announced over $2.2 billion in investment intentions for Australian critical mineral projects, which are essential for advanced defense systems and high-tech manufacturing [2] Group 2 - The "AUKUS" submarine agreement, valued at AUD 368 billion (approximately $239.5 billion), received support from Trump, who aims to expedite the construction of nuclear submarines for Australia [3] - Australia has already invested $2 billion to enhance the productivity of US submarine shipyards and plans to maintain US submarines at its Indian Ocean naval base starting in 2027 [3] - The agreement includes provisions to simplify permitting processes for mining and processing facilities to increase output and enhance cooperation on geological resource mapping [4][5]