High-ranking U.S. official said, "I have no intention of expanding," when asked if South Korea can't sleep with nuclear weapons.

▲ Leaders of the US, UK and Australia announcing the launch of the security partnership 'Ocus'

While the United States has agreed to support Australia's possession of nuclear submarines by launching its trilateral security alliance, Orcus, with Britain and Australia, it has made it clear that it has no intention of supporting related technologies to other countries, including South Korea.

At a telephone briefing, a senior US administration official answered, "We have no intention of extending this (technical support for nuclear submarines) to other countries," when asked why countries like South Korea cannot obtain the same qualifications as Australia.

"This is about Australia and is based on the unique circumstances surrounding the Australian case," the official added.

It is interpreted as clearly expressing its intention not to transfer nuclear submarine technology to South Korea, a key ally in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Australia is an exemplary global non-proliferation country, has very high standards and has a history of proving its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” the official said.

He noted that Australia has the highest standards for highly enriched uranium (HEU) management and safeguards, reiterating that "this is not a broad precedent that has opened the door, but a very narrow use case with a unique set of circumstances" .

South Korea has been discussing the need to acquire nuclear submarines and seeking technology transfer to the United States.

(Photo = Getty Images Korea)