South Korea's presidential office stated on July 9 (local time) that it received the impression Korea-based construction is not excluded following US President Donald Trump's request to President Lee Jae-myung for military ship construction. A senior presidential office official told reporters at the press center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia that related discussions were raised again following the G7 summit. The official explained the conversation occurred briefly while standing at a dinner venue, requiring working-level consultations to clarify details and fill gaps in understanding.
Presidential Office Confirms Korea-Based Construction Under Consideration
The presidential office official stated that Trump's request appears to include the possibility of constructing military vessels in South Korea. "Following the G7 summit, related discussions were raised again this time," the official said. The official explained that because the conversation took place briefly while standing at the dinner venue, the full context did not completely align, adding that specifics need to be developed through working-level consultations and gaps in current understanding must be filled.
The presidential office interprets Trump's request as potentially including direct construction of military ships at domestic shipyards, though the official noted the actual business method will be confirmed through additional consultations. The official added, "We need to further determine whether it involves complete construction in Korea or manufacturing blocks followed by final assembly in the United States."
Burns-Tollefson Act Requires Legal Review and Congressional Cooperation
Regarding the Burns-Tollefson Act, which restricts the US military's use of ships built overseas, the official indicated legal review and cooperation from the US Congress will be necessary. "There will be questions about whether to circumvent current law or eliminate the law itself," the official stated. The official noted there appears to be space for the president to grant a waiver and various methods exist, but the matter appears related to Congress.
Both Sides Plan Follow-Up Working-Level Consultations
The official stated that accurately understanding Trump's order requires further working-level consultations. "Working-level staff attempted additional discussions at the site, but the US side lacked time due to responding to the Middle East situation," the official explained. The official added that both South Korea and the United States plan to specifically identify related details through follow-up working-level consultations after returning home.
The shipbuilding industry has mentioned possibilities that Trump could use executive orders to pilot military ship construction at Korean shipyards, or adopt a method where hull blocks are manufactured domestically followed by final assembly at US sites. However, forming consensus with the US Congress is considered an important variable for actual project implementation.
FAQ
What did Trump request from President Lee Jae-myung on July 9?
Trump requested military ship construction from President Lee Jae-myung during discussions in Mongolia on July 9 (local time), following similar discussions at the G7 summit.
What legal restriction affects US military use of foreign-built ships?
The Burns-Tollefson Act restricts the US military's use of ships built overseas, requiring legal review and congressional cooperation to address according to South Korea's presidential office.
