South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has emphasized the need for accelerated discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding security matters. This includes Seoul’s plans for nuclear-powered submarines and rights for uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. The call for swifter progress was made during brief talks between Cho and Rubio, held alongside Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at ASEAN-related meetings in Manila.
The scheduled security consultations between the two nations in July have not been finalized yet, with Washington currently focused on Middle East affairs and other priorities. These consultations, along with Seoul’s investments in the US and joint shipbuilding efforts, were highlighted in a joint fact sheet from a previous summit between President Lee Jae Myung and former US President Donald Trump. Cho also met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in Manila to convey a similar message before the trilateral discussions.
Tensions have arisen between the allies due to Seoul’s regulatory actions involving US-listed e-commerce company Coupang following a data breach. Some US lawmakers and officials have criticized these moves, alleging discrimination against American businesses. In response, the South Korean government has defended its actions as lawful and fair. Cho emphasized the need for resolving these issues promptly and enhancing communication to reach agreements between the two countries.
