Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon, candidates for the People Power Party presidential primary, clashed on the 'nuclear deterrent' method related to foreign and security policy on the 30th.
Both candidates agreed on securing nuclear potential through the rotational deployment of strategic assets such as nuclear-powered submarines rather than independent nuclear armament, but they diverged on specifics. Candidate Kim noted the need for joint construction of nuclear-powered submarines with the United States, while Candidate Han expressed a negative stance, stating that equipping South Korean submarines with nuclear capabilities would imply independent nuclear armament.
On that day, ahead of the final round, a third primary debate on 'foreign and security fields,' hosted by TV Chosun, saw the two candidates go head-to-head over plans for 'nuclear deterrent procurement.'
Taking the initiative, Candidate Han first asked Candidate Kim about his change in stance regarding the past 'nuclear armament theory.'
When Candidate Han said, 'In 2016, I stated we needed to arm ourselves with nuclear weapons immediately. My recent position has shifted to rotational deployment of strategic assets instead of nuclear armament,' Candidate Kim responded, 'It is correct that my stance has changed. If we pursue nuclear armament, we must withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and our country, which relies on exports, cannot afford to face international regulations like North Korea and have our corporations sidelined and exports halted,' adding that it would be 'a greater loss than what could be gained from nuclear armament.'
There were diverging views regarding the realization of 'nuclear-powered submarines' for securing nuclear potential.
Candidate Han stated, '(Candidate Kim) mentioned nuclear-powered submarines. I share the same thought. However, the United States must allow submarines,' and asked how Candidate Kim viewed the direction of policy toward China in obtaining permission for nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S., mentioning that Australia received permission to acquire Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines as compensation for aligning with U.S. policies toward China.
Candidate Kim replied, 'The U.S. and South Korea are cooperating in shipbuilding, and while the U.S. should build the submarines, South Korea has the world’s best shipbuilding capabilities.'
He also noted, 'Our policy toward China must be based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and we need to take a cautious stance toward China due to our close proximity and many mutual interests, thus proceeding carefully in our relationship with China based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance.'
Candidate Kim, now taking the initiative, brought up the issue of 'tactical nuclear redeployment.' He stated, 'I believe North Korea possesses its own tactical nuclear weapons,' and asked if there were plans to discuss the tactical nuclear issue with the U.S.
In response, Candidate Han explained, 'Tactical nuclear weapons are fixed on the ground,' expressing concerns that they could become targets for North Korea's preemptive strike, and conflicts could arise in the selection process of the region. Therefore, he suggested that the rotational deployment of strategic assets could be worth considering over fixed deployment.
Candidate Kim also agreed, stating, 'I believe the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on land entails significant drawbacks.' He continued, 'If elected president, I will consult with the U.S. president to either develop our own tactical nuclear weapons or place U.S. tactical nuclear weapons either in our country or in Guam. I believe we should jointly produce nuclear-powered submarines with the U.S. and adequately deploy small modular reactors, also aiming to equip tactical nuclear weapons on nuclear-powered submarines to rotate irregularly around the Korean Peninsula to maintain balance with North Korea.'
This led Candidate Han to ask, 'Are you implying that you would want to equip our submarines with nuclear capabilities?' To which Candidate Kim replied, 'If we have mutual understanding with the U.S., then yes,' and he noted, 'There is a need to cooperate in the joint construction of submarines between South Korea and the U.S. and to collaborate on small modular reactors.'
Responding to Candidate Kim's statement, Candidate Han expressed that, 'Putting nuclear weapons on our nuclear-powered submarines would indeed mean our own nuclear armament,' emphasizing the difference in their positions with, 'We are not pursuing nuclear armament.'
Candidate Han also inquired about Candidate Kim's past advocacy for the Korea-China underwater tunnel and the plan to establish a casino exclusively for Chinese nationals in the West Sea.
Candidate Kim changed his position on the Korea-China underwater tunnel, stating, 'I believe it is appropriate not to proceed with it as China wants it built with our money.' Regarding the casino for Chinese nationals in the West Sea, he mentioned, 'When a casino for foreigners is established, North Korea finds it harder to provoke. A foreigner-only casino provides defense capabilities akin to having a whole division of our military there,' and he articulated plans to pursue the construction of foreigner-only casinos, including those for Chinese individuals if he were to become president.