Seoul: Seoul’s top envoy to Washington emphasized the importance of overcoming protectionist barriers to enhance defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and the United States, during a forum on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong, speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, highlighted the challenge posed by U.S. laws that mandate the construction of naval ships domestically. These regulations, he noted, are a significant impediment to expanding defense collaboration with international partners, especially as political pressures mount to prioritize American jobs and manufacturing in the run-up to elections.
Cho pointed out the critical global security issues, including Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, its military ties with North Korea, and persistent tensions in the Middle East, underscoring the need for stronger alliances. He advocated for increased cooperation in shipbuilding, where South Korea holds a significant global standing, controlling 30 percent
of the market and known for its efficient and high-quality production.
The ambassador cited a congressional report revealing that China’s shipbuilding capacity surpasses that of the U.S. by over 230 times, coupled with China having the largest maritime combat force globally. In contrast, the U.S. excels in producing technologically superior military assets, indicating a complementary potential for industrial cooperation between the two allies.
Furthermore, Cho mentioned various initiatives by South Korean companies to foster cooperation, including the acquisition of a U.S.-based shipyard and involvement in the maintenance and overhaul of U.S. ammunition ships. He stressed the importance of seizing the current momentum to deepen industrial partnerships and bolster collective defense capabilities.
During his address, Cho also commented on the unconfirmed reports about North Korea’s potential involvement in the Ukraine conflict, stating the likelihood of North Korean troops supporting Russia. He emphasized th
e interconnected security concerns between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, advocating for a concerted response from NATO and other allies.