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Lee: Trump Asked if South Korea Could Rapidly Build 10 U.S. Warships
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Conflict & Security

Lee: Trump Asked if South Korea Could Rapidly Build 10 U.S. Warships

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump requested the rapid construction of 10 U.S. warships.
  • Lee confirmed that South Korea could fulfill this request and expressed willingness to cooperate in shipbuilding.
  • The conversation occurred during a meeting at the G7 summit, facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly placed Trump next to Lee to encourage discussion.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump inquired about the possibility of rapidly constructing 10 U.S. warships during a recent meeting. Lee stated that he assured Trump of South Korea's capability and commitment to fulfilling such a request.

Trump asked if we could build 10 U.S. warships as quickly as possible.

โ€” Lee Jae-myungRecounting a request made by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting.

During a briefing on his European tour, Lee Jae-myung shared that he and Trump found common ground on mutually beneficial cooperation in sectors like shipbuilding. He also noted their shared understanding of the importance of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Lee emphasized that when Trump asked about building the warships quickly, he responded affirmatively, promising to do his best.

The meeting between Lee and Trump, which lasted 90 minutes during a G7 summit dinner, was described by Lee as a candid and in-depth conversation. He mentioned that French President Emmanuel Macron intentionally seated them together, believing they had much to discuss. Lee expressed gratitude to Macron for facilitating this interaction.

Of course, I answered that it is naturally possible and we will do our best.

โ€” Lee Jae-myungResponding to Donald Trump's request regarding warship construction.

Lee further elaborated that his discussions with Trump covered various topics, including Korean Peninsula issues. He observed that Trump possesses a deep understanding of U.S.-Korea relations. Lee also conveyed his support for Trump's policies on Middle East peace and the Iranian nuclear issue, while urging continued efforts for de-escalation and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

French President Emmanuel Macron intentionally placed President Trump next to me at the dinner.

โ€” Lee Jae-myungDescribing how the meeting with Trump was facilitated at the G7 summit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.