Description: The USS Alexandria, a nuclear submarine armed with Tomahawk missiles has emerged in the Busan port in South Korea as the US and South Korea aimed to bolster defensive posture in the region. The appearance of a fast – attack nuclear submarine has been highly criticized by the Noth Korean Ministry of Defense which has raised the threat level and accused the US of escalating military tensions in the region. US and South Korean officials have stated the submarine was docked and awaited resupply and scheduled crew rest after submerging again. North Korea has taken a more aggressive stance towards the US since Donald Trump assumed the US presidency.
Impact: Recent military drills by both North Korea and South Korea and its allies have elevated the regional threat level substantially. Despite statements from President Donald Trump on alleged meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US is evidently looking to boast its military dominance which further infuses military tensions. With the constant rearmament from countries in the region such as India and persistent military drills the geopolitical situation in the region complicates as South Korea is also facing internal political crisis at the moment. The US would aim to further strengthen their presence and assert tactical and strategical dominance as well as military and naval posturing while North Korea would probably enhance military, aerial and nuclear capabilities in the mid to long – term period.