The United States is set to equip South Korea with nuclear submarines, according to the new U.S. National Security Strategy released this month. The strategy signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy, indicating a move towards distributing the burden of defense among its allies.

The announcement follows a meeting in late October between U.S. President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of a regional summit, where the agreement was reportedly finalized. The decision to provide nuclear submarines to South Korea is a direct implementation of the strategy's core tenet: that the U.S. will no longer solely bear the responsibility of maintaining global order.

"The days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over," the National Security Strategy states, emphasizing the need for allies to contribute more actively to their own defense.

This move has significant implications for regional security in East Asia. The introduction of nuclear submarines to South Korea's naval capabilities could potentially alter the balance of power in the region, particularly in relation to North Korea and China. While the U.S. has not explicitly stated the rationale behind this decision, analysts suggest it is aimed at deterring potential aggression from North Korea and bolstering South Korea's defense capabilities in the face of growing regional tensions.

The transfer of nuclear submarine technology also raises questions about nuclear proliferation. While South Korea is not acquiring nuclear weapons, the ability to operate nuclear-powered vessels provides a significant technological advantage and could potentially lead to further advancements in its domestic defense industry.

The specifics of the agreement, including the type of submarines to be provided and the timeline for delivery, remain undisclosed. However, NPR's Anthony Kuhn reported from Seoul that the deal is a concrete example of the U.S. putting its new national security strategy into action. The development is likely to be closely monitored by other nations in the region and could prompt further adjustments in military strategies and alliances.