- South Korean lawmaker proposes ship repair partnership with the U.S. to strengthen bilateral security and economic ties.
- Calls for special repair zones and legal frameworks similar to existing military agreements.
- Emphasis on industrial resilience and manufacturing self-sufficiency as pillars of national power.
A South Korean lawmaker is urging the government to deepen its strategic alliance with the United States by becoming a regional hub for U.S. Navy ship repairs, reports the Korea Times.
The proposal positions South Korea’s world-class shipbuilding industry as a solution to growing maintenance backlogs within the U.S. fleet.
She emphasized that Korean shipyards, particularly in the southern industrial belt, have the infrastructure and skilled workforce to address delays caused by labor shortages and legal limitations in the U.S. This, she argued, would not only help the U.S. military but also enhance Korea’s industrial competitiveness and strategic relevance.
Proposal for Secure Maintenance Zones
The lawmaker suggested creating dedicated repair zones within South Korea through an agreement similar to the existing Status of Forces Agreement. These zones would provide secure facilities for servicing U.S. naval vessels while protecting domestic industries and sensitive technologies.
She called for a three-part plan to support the initiative: a formal bilateral servicing agreement, legislative measures to shield core manufacturing sectors, and the implementation of an industrial roadmap that includes long-term investment in strategic capabilities.
Industrial Capacity Equals Security
In her remarks, the lawmaker stressed that alliances cannot rely solely on military strength; they must also be backed by industrial depth and economic infrastructure. She pointed out that a country’s ability to produce, design, and innovate across defense and manufacturing sectors is crucial for sustaining its security commitments.
This approach reflects a growing consensus that industrial resilience is central to national power in the 21st century. By becoming a repair base for U.S. naval vessels, South Korea would cement its role as not just a security partner, but a critical economic and logistical ally.
Legislation for Industrial Revival
The lawmaker has already introduced a bill aimed at revitalizing Korea’s industrial base. The proposed law includes tax incentives for research and development, support for industrial restructuring, and integration of supply chains across key sectors like steel, petrochemicals, and shipbuilding.
Additionally, a 1,000-page economic roadmap developed by her party lays out plans for transitioning to AI-driven manufacturing, smart logistics, green energy technologies, and defense innovation. A special emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to modernize through public-private cooperation.
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Source: The Korea Times
