Following talks in Washington, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to continue close cooperation on civil nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding, the State Department said.
The Republic of Korea (ROK) is increasing its diplomatic efforts to address US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to raise tariffs on South Korean automobiles, lumber and pharmaceuticals – as well as country-specific tariffs – from 15% to 25%, citing delays in the passage of a special law on US investment in the South Korean National Assembly. Korea had committed to investing $350bn in the US, among other pledges, in return a lowering of the tariffs.
“Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Cho discussed ways to advance the US-ROK Alliance, cantered on a forward-looking agenda in the spirit of President Trump and ROK President Lee Jae Myung’s summits in Washington and Gyeongju,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. “The two leaders agreed to continue to work closely on civil nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines, shipbuilding and increasing ROK investments to rebuild critical US industries,” he added.
He was referring to South Korea’s plans to secure civil uranium enrichment and used nuclear fuel reprocessing rights for peaceful purposes and its drive to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The US has been in support of these projects according to a joint fact sheet that Seoul and Washington released in November to outline trade and security agreements from the two summits between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump in August and October 2025.
In a separate press release, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Cho had asked Rubio to play a “leading” role to ensure that bilateral cooperation in key areas, including civil nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding, will be realised. “In response, Secretary Rubio said that he will continue to play a necessary role, and especially pledged to encourage relevant government agencies to move forward so that substantive discussions can proceed swiftly,” it said.
Cho used the talks to reaffirm South Korea’s commitment to fulfilling its investment commitment for the US and called for continued cooperation between the diplomatic authorities to ensure that the two countries’ trade authorities can have smooth communication and consultations,” the Ministry said.
Ahead of his departure for the US, Cho had said that agreements reached between the two governments were being pursued through legislation in accordance with National Assembly procedures, adding that he would explain the situation to the US side and seek its understanding.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has said it aims to pass the special investment bill by late February or early March during an extraordinary parliamentary session. The legislation would lay out procedures for implementing Seoul’s US investment package, including memoranda of understanding and the establishment of a strategic investment fund.
However, according to the Korea Herald, observers note that even if the bill is passed, there is no guarantee that Washington will suspend or roll back the planned tariff increase, leaving uncertainty over the future trajectory of South Korea-US trade relations.
