President-elect Donald Trump spoke with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Nov. 7, emphasizing the importance of South Korea’s shipbuilding industry and expressing the need for cooperation.
The U.S. reportedly faces increasing pressure from China, particularly in the shipbuilding sector, as China’s rapid advancements create strategic challenges for the U.S. Trump highlighted the necessity for Korea’s support in both security areas, such as warship construction and maintenance, as well as in economic fields like LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel construction.
In the call, Trump told President Yoon, “American shipbuilding needs South Korea’s help. I am well aware of Korea’s world-class warship and vessel-building capabilities, and I believe we need close collaboration with Korea not only in exports but also in maintenance, repairs, and overhauls.” He also expressed a desire to discuss these areas in greater detail with President Yoon in the future.
A senior official from the Presidential Office noted that, as the U.S. shipbuilding industry has declined, America now requires South Korea’s support not only for warships but also for economic security-related vessels like LNG ships. The official added that, with the U.S. Navy being the largest in the world, there is an urgent need for reliable maintenance facilities.
The conversation between President Yoon and President-elect Trump took place at 7:59 a.m. and lasted around 12 minutes. It was considered highly unusual for the South Korean President and a U.S. President-elect to have a call so quickly. During the call, President Yoon congratulated Trump on his election victory and expressed hopes that his leadership would guide a prosperous America.
Yoon and Trump also discussed U.S.-South Korea-Japan cooperation, the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the influence of North Korea on the situation in Ukraine. Yoon commended Trump’s previous efforts in strengthening trilateral relations during his first term, noting that this had laid the foundation for the Camp David trilateral partnership framework. He added that the South Korea-U.S. alliance had grown stronger day by day and suggested that they continue this partnership across both security and economic areas.
Trump responded positively, expressing optimism about maintaining the strong relationship between the two countries and mentioning that he had heard favorable things about President Yoon’s leadership. Both leaders also agreed to meet in person in the near future.
