Seoul: U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan emphasized shipbuilding as a "top priority" during discussions with South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo in Seoul, signaling strengthened bilateral cooperation in the industry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Phelan assured the United States Navy's "unyielding" commitment to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and underscored the significance of trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan.
On his visit, Phelan also engaged with South Korea's Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Yang Yong-mo and explored leading shipbuilders HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Hanwha Ocean Co. This visit was part of a two-nation tour that also included Japan. The U.S. Navy's press release highlighted Phelan's acknowledgment of Korean shipyards as industry leaders and his encouragement for increased investment in U.S. domestic shipyards. Han's office noted Phelan's commitment to actively pursue shipbuilding collaboration with Korean companies.
The discussions between Phelan and Han addressed strategic areas for deepening defense cooperation, particularly in high-end technology and shipbuilding, to bolster security on the Korean Peninsula. Han also acknowledged the growing regional threats, including China's increased aggression.
Phelan's itinerary included visiting HD Hyundai Heavy's headquarters in Ulsan, where he observed the construction of next-generation Aegis destroyers and discussed potential collaborations with HD Hyundai's executives. He then traveled to Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje to meet with Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, focusing on naval defense cooperation.
Phelan's visit aligns with former President Trump's emphasis on revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry and fostering partnerships with allies like South Korea, a global leader in naval vessel construction. Before arriving in South Korea, Phelan visited Japan to tour shipyards and discuss naval ship maintenance cooperation with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.
Earlier this year, during his Senate confirmation hearing, Phelan highlighted Hanwha Ocean's acquisition of Philly Shipyard in the U.S. as a significant opportunity to attract South Korean capital and technology into the U.S. market.