US to send nuclear ballistic submarines to South Korea as part of landmark deal

Biden will host Yoon for a state visit

Biden US South Korea (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday will sign an agreement that includes plans to have US nuclear-armed submarines dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years, a conspicuous show of support to Seoul amid growing concern about nuclear threats by North Korea, according to senior Biden administration officials.

The planned dock visits are a key element of what's being dubbed the “Washington Declaration,” aimed at deterring North Korea from carrying out an attack on its neighbour.

It is being unveiled as Biden is hosting Mr Yoon for a state visit during a moment of heightened anxiety for both leaders over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea over the last several months.