South Korea can become a "real partner" in providing shipbuilding capacity to the United States, US Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) said Thursday, calling for faster progress on Seoul's planned investment in the US.
The lawmaker made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in Seoul, stressing that closer shipbuilding cooperation would help the US rebuild its industrial base, while giving Korean companies greater access to the US market.
"It is also great for both of our countries because it helps reduce our dependence on supply chains, particularly from China," the senator said.
McCormick, who represents Pennsylvania, highlighted Hanwha's investment in Philly Shipyard, alongside Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, as examples that could help drive what he called a "renaissance" in the industry in his state.
Hanwha Ocean's US expansion is part of South Korea's broader efforts to revive the US shipbuilding industry under the MASGA, or "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again," initiative.
Asked about US President Donald Trump's request for South Korea to build 10 military vessels for the US, McCormick said he was unsure about the timing but voiced support for exploring a greater role for Korean shipbuilders in providing capacity to the US.
"The idea that Korea would be a real partner in providing shipbuilding capacity to the United States not only by investing in shipbuilding in the United States but also being a provider is, I think, a very viable option and something that I would want to continue to explore," he said.
South Korea has pledged $350 billion in investment in the US, including $150 billion for the US shipbuilding sector. McCormick welcomed the commitment but stressed the need for faster implementation.
"We need to start seeing that investment flowing sooner rather than later," he said, adding that he had told his South Korean counterparts that Japan had moved more quickly on some of its investments.
"We don't have time to be too slow and deliberate about this ... We need to have bold action to rebuild the capabilities we need in America and in Korea for our economic benefit, but also for our national security," he said.
On the broader alliance between Seoul and Washington, McCormick said his visit was partly aimed at reinforcing the importance of the relationship, while acknowledging that disagreements between the two countries could arise.
"I think this is one of the great relationships that we had, and it's ultimately so critical for security in Asia that our relationship with Korea and Japan be very strong ones," he said. "That doesn't mean we don't have things we need to work on better together, but that was the message."
McCormick noted that a dispute over e-commerce giant Coupang Inc. came up in his discussions with officials here in the context of ensuring fair treatment for US tech companies.
Regarding the possibility of talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, McCormick said he supported maintaining channels of communication, while stressing that Pyongyang should be treated as a "true threat."
"That doesn't mean we shouldn't have ongoing engagement," he said, adding that the US should remain "very skeptical" of the intentions of both China and North Korea.
While in South Korea following his trip to Japan, McCormick met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul, and held discussions with business leaders in the defense and shipbuilding industries. His itinerary also included visits to Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in the southeastern city of Geoje and the Demilitarized Zone. (Yonhap)