Washington: The head of South Korea’s state-run nuclear energy firm emphasized the need for collaboration between South Korea and the United States to bolster the global nonproliferation regime. This call to action comes in response to nuclear export activities by China and Russia described as “aggressive.”

According to Yonhap News Agency, Whang Joo-ho, president and CEO of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) Co., expressed these sentiments while speaking at a forum hosted by the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He articulated a vision for “Team Nuclear KORUS” – a partnership between Korea and the United States – to achieve the allies’ shared goal of “atoms for peace.”

Whang pointed out that regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa are experiencing a surge in nuclear exports from China and Russia. He raised concerns regarding these countries’ commitment to maintaining the nonproliferation regime. To counter these developments, he urged the global community to unite and strengthen both nonproliferation and nuclear security.

Highlighting South Korea’s potential role, Whang described the country as a “model” nonnuclear weapon state capable of contributing significantly to nonproliferation efforts. He emphasized that no single nation can address the challenges posed by major countries’ nuclear expansions alone.

Whang further underlined the importance of strong U.S.-Korea cooperation in reinforcing the nonproliferation and security regime. He noted that a collaboration between the U.S., a leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and South Korea, known for its technical expertise and robust non-proliferation record, could bring the vision of atoms for peace to fruition.

The KHNP CEO also mentioned that the bilateral partnership could serve as a “practical” means of expanding the nonproliferation regime to “new comer” countries, effectively countering the aggressive strategies of other major players in the global nuclear market.