Top US Admiral Says Korea’s New Sub Should Keep China in Check

Nov. 16, 2025, 3:27 AM UTC

The US wants South Korea to eventually deploy its newly approved nuclear-powered submarines to help counter China’s rapidly expanding fleet, calling it a responsibility expected of a key ally, according to a top US admiral.

“Utilization of that submarine for countering China, I think is a natural expectation with that type of capability,” Admiral Daryl Caudle, chief of US naval operations, said in Seoul on Friday. He spoke hours after both nations released a fact sheet that put in writing US consent for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Daryl Caudle
Source: US Navy

“I think there will be a responsibility for Korea ...

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