Seoul, Feb 24 (NationPress) A senior official in Seoul announced on Tuesday that a planned visit by a US delegation to South Korea for security negotiations is facing delays due to scheduling conflicts. This statement comes in response to rumors suggesting that the postponement was linked to trade matters.

Originally, the US delegation was anticipated to arrive in South Korea by late February to engage in discussions surrounding security concerns outlined in a joint fact sheet, which includes Seoul's aspirations to develop nuclear-powered submarines and enhance bilateral collaboration on nuclear energy and shipbuilding. However, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, the timing of the trip remains unconfirmed.

There are rising apprehensions that the recent US Supreme Court decision against former President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs might put a damper on Seoul's ongoing negotiations with Washington on security matters.

The Seoul official emphasized that the delay is strictly due to scheduling challenges, dismissing any worries that the evolving trade landscape post-tariff ruling is influencing the critical security discussions aimed at executing agreements from the joint summit.

Progress is reportedly being hindered slightly due to the unpredictability of the US political landscape and other complex issues, such as the situation with Iran, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and anticipated summit discussions between the US and China, as explained by the official.

He further noted that South Korea is considering sending officials to the US to continue with security negotiations if the US delegation's journey to Seoul is further postponed.

Both nations are committed to implementing the joint summit document, which encompasses US support for South Korea's endeavors to construct nuclear-powered submarines, along with the pursuit of civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.

In a related development, last week, South Korea's Defence Minister expressed dissatisfaction to the US Forces Korea (USFK) regarding a brief confrontation with Chinese fighter jets during a rare air exercise, according to military sources.

South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back conveyed his concerns during a call with General Xavier Brunson, the commander of the Combined Forces Command and US Forces Korea, shortly after being informed of the incident on Wednesday.

Similarly, General Jin Young-sung, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also raised a complaint during a conversation with Gen. Brunson.

On Wednesday, US and Chinese fighter jets were involved in an unusual standoff over the Yellow Sea during a training operation by the U.S. Air Force, which included around 10 USFK F-16 fighter jets.

The F-16s reportedly operated in an area situated between the air defense identification zones of South Korea and China, prompting the Chinese military to deploy its fighter jets to the location, although no confrontation ensued.

While the USFK had informed the South Korean military about its training plans in advance, it apparently did not provide extensive details regarding the objectives of the exercises, as noted by officials.