The harsh reality of a regional arms race checked hopes for peace on the Korean Peninsula this week. North Korea warned on Tuesday that a new submarine deal between South Korea and the United States would trigger a “nuclear domino” effect. This condemnation effectively drowned out a proposal from Seoul for military talks, made just a day earlier.
The agreement was announced last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It secures U.S. support for expanding South Korea’s authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. These capabilities are necessary for nuclear-powered submarines. North Korea described the deal as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation,” predicting a “hot arms race.”
The diplomatic timing was delicate. Seoul had just proposed military talks to prevent border clashes, the first offer in seven years. President Lee has pushed for unconditional discussions, seeking to move away from the hawkish past. However, the North’s reaction suggests that military dynamics are driving events.
The “nuclear domino” warning implies that the South’s actions are destabilizing the entire region. North Korea is arguing that the submarine program will lead to unchecked proliferation. This narrative serves to justify the North’s own military buildup.
North Korea has not yet responded to the offer for military talks. The focus on the arms race suggests that dialogue is currently a secondary concern. The region faces a dangerous future as the two Koreas continue to compete militarily.