Seoul: South Korea’s top diplomat in Washington, Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong, has called for stronger defense industry cooperation with the United States, cautioning against the pitfalls of economic protectionism that could hinder such collaborations. Speaking at a recent forum at the Hudson Institute, Cho emphasized the challenges posed by U.S. laws mandating domestic shipbuilding for military purposes and how these regulations affect broader cooperation efforts.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during his address at the think tank, Ambassador Cho highlighted the significance of the current global security challenges, including Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and the strategic alignments in North Korea, which underscore the need for enhanced collaborative efforts between allies. He pointed out the stark differences in shipbuilding capacities between the U.S. and China, noting that China holds a substantial lead with over 230 times the shipbuilding capacity of the U.S.
Cho remarked on South Korea’s strong
position in the global shipbuilding industry, holding a 30 percent market share and recognized for its efficiency and excellence. He stressed that while the U.S. excels in producing technologically advanced military assets, there is a crucial need to expand ship production capabilities and strengthen the industrial base, a feat that cannot be achieved rapidly or independently.
The South Korean envoy also outlined efforts by South Korean companies to boost cooperation, including purchasing a U.S.-based shipyard and engaging in the maintenance and overhaul of ammunition ships. He encouraged further deepening of the U.S.-South Korea partnership to enhance capabilities and foster innovation, ensuring a secure future for both nations in maritime defense.