Trump says S. Korea approved to build nuclear-powered sub in Philadelphia

 US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that South Korea has his "approval" on building its nuclear-powered submarine, and the vessel will be manufactured in US shipyards in Philadelphia.

"South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol’ U.S.A," Trump, who is currently on a state visit to South Korea, said on his Truth Social Thursday.

"Shipbuilding in our Country will soon be making a BIG COMEBACK," he also noted.

This followed Trump's post Thursday morning that he "(has) given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel-powered Submarines that they have now," after the two countries announced that they had sorted out details about South Korea's $350 billion investment in US projects.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, during the luncheon summit with Trump on Wednesday, asked the US's consent to reprocess nuclear fuel to power South Korea's submarines. The presidential office noted Wednesday evening, while announcing the trade deal, that Trump had suggested a joint consultation between the two countries while acknowledging South Korea's need to develop nuclear-powered submarines.

Source: joongangdaily

Comprehension

What did US President Donald Trump announce on social media regarding South Korea?
Where will South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine be built?
What type of submarines does South Korea currently operate?
What major investment deal was recently agreed upon between the US and South Korea?
What did Trump say about the future of shipbuilding in the United States?
What did South Korean President Lee Jae Myung request during his meeting with Trump?
How did Trump respond to South Korea’s request to develop nuclear-powered submarines?
What does the term “reprocess nuclear fuel” mean in this context?

Discussion

Why might South Korea want to build nuclear-powered submarines instead of diesel-powered ones?
What advantages do nuclear-powered submarines have over diesel-powered ones?
How might this project affect relations between South Korea and the United States?
What potential risks or controversies could come with this decision?
How could this announcement impact regional security in East Asia?
Do you think military cooperation strengthens alliances between countries? Why or why not?
How does social media play a role in international diplomacy today?
Should leaders announce sensitive military agreements online? Why or why not?
What are some other examples of technological or defense cooperation between nations?
How might South Korea’s investment in US projects benefit both countries economically?

Vocabulary

Approval – official permission or agreement to do something.
Submarine – a ship that can travel underwater.
Nuclear-powered – using nuclear energy as a source of power.
Diesel-powered – using diesel fuel as an energy source.
Reprocess – to treat used material so it can be reused, often in energy production.
Consent – formal agreement or permission.
Summit – a high-level meeting between leaders of countries.
Investment – the act of putting money into something to gain profit or benefit.