[20150630]IN10304_美韩核合作协定.pdf

CRS InsightsU.S.-Republic of Korea Nuclear Cooperation AgreementMary Beth D. Nikitin, Specialist in Nonproliferation (mnikitincrs.loc.gov, 7-7745)Mark Holt, Specialist in Energy Policy (mholtcrs.loc.gov, 7-1704)June 30, 2015 (IN10304)On June 15, the United States and South Korea (ROK) signed a new civilian nuclear cooperation agreement to replace the existing agreement, which entered into force in 1974. The United States and South Korea have cooperated in the peaceful use of nuclear energy for over 50 years. This cooperation includes commercial power reactor projects as well as research and development work on safety, safeguards, advanced nuclear reactors, and fuel cycle technologies. In March 2014, the two countries extended the current nuclear cooperation agreement for two years to allow for more negotiating time (P.L. 113-81). The new agreements duration is 20 years, with an automatic renewal of five years.These agreements, also known as 123 agreements (see CRS Report RS22937, Nuclear Cooperation with Other Countries: A Primer) after Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, are a prerequisite for the licensing of any significant civilian nuclear trade with another country, such as