Kuala Lampur, Nov. 17 -- In a development that might reshape the maritime strategic balance of the North-east Asia's maritime balance, the US has given political approval for South Korea to pursue a nuclear-powered submarine programme. It is a breakthrough long sought-after by Seoul. Although constrained by non-proliferation rules, the decision allows nuclear technology cooperation and fuel supply for reactor system made by South Korea. it is a rare occasion that Washington willing to extend elements of its tightly held naval technology.

For Seoul, this is beyond an industrial or military project: it is a strategic maturity and confidence that affirming South Korea as a major maritime power capable of projecting presence beyond its coast...