(2nd LD) U.S. Navy secretary discusses shipbuilding as ‘top priority’ in talks with Han
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WASHINGTON/SEOUL, April 30 (Yonhap) — U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan discussed shipbuilding as a “top priority” during his talks with South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo in Seoul on Wednesday, the U.S. Navy said, as the two countries are seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation in the industry.
During the meeting, Phelan affirmed the Navy’s “unyielding” commitment to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan, according to it.
On the same day, the secretary also met South Korea’s Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Yang Yong-mo and visited the Asian country’s leading shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Hanwha Ocean Co. He was on a two-nation tour that included Japan.
“Secretary Phelan further discussed shipbuilding as a top priority with a recognition of Korean shipyards, HD Hyundai and Hanwha, as industry experts, and encouraged additional investment in U.S. domestic shipyard,” the Navy said in a press release.
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (R) holds talks with Secretary of the U.S. Navy John Phelan during their meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 30, 2025, in this photo released by Han’s office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
According to Han’s office, the secretary promised efforts to “actively” seek shipbuilding cooperation with Korean companies in the future.
Han outlined several strategic areas in which the two treaty allies could deepen defense cooperation to strengthen the security posture on the Korean Peninsula, including expanding the bilateral relationship in high-end technology and shipbuilding, the U.S. Navy said.
It also said that the acting president recognized growing regional threats, to include increased aggression by China.
On the day, Phelan visited HD Hyundai Heavy’s headquarters in Ulsan, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and toured a yard where next-generation Aegis destroyers are being built.
He then held talks with HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun and other executives to discuss possible cooperation on shipbuilding and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
Later in the day, Phelan visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje, also in the southern region of the country, where he met with Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan to explore cooperation in naval defense.
Phelan’s visit comes as Trump has stressed the need for the revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the importance of partnering with allies, including South Korea, a global leader in naval vessel construction.
Before arriving in South Korea, Phelan visited Japan, where he toured local shipyards and met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to explore bilateral cooperation in naval ship maintenance.
During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Phelan highlighted Hanwha Ocean’s acquisition of Philly Shipyard in the U.S. last year, calling it a very important opportunity to attract South Korean capital and technology into America.
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong (L) poses for a photo with Secretary of the U.S. Navy John Phelan during their meeting in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2025, in this photo provided by the South Korean Embassy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
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