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Trump Asks if US Warships Can Be Built Quickly; President Lee Says 'Naturally Possible'

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung if he could quickly build 10 U.S. warships.
  • Lee stated that he responded affirmatively, promising to do his best to fulfill the request.
  • The conversation occurred during a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, where both leaders discussed mutually beneficial cooperation, including shipbuilding.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, U.S. President Donald Trump inquired about the possibility of South Korea rapidly constructing 10 U.S. warships, according to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

President Lee revealed the exchange on June 19th during a press briefing in Seoul about his European tour. He stated that Trump asked, "Can you quickly build 10 U.S. warships?" to which Lee responded, "Of course, it's possible, and we will do our best."

Can you quickly build 10 U.S. warships?

— Donald TrumpPresident Lee Jae-myung recounted Trump's question during a press briefing about potential U.S. warship construction.

Lee further elaborated that he and President Trump found common ground on mutually beneficial cooperation, with shipbuilding being a key area. Trump emphasized the importance of cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., as well as among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, a sentiment Lee expressed agreement with.

The two leaders had a previous conversation lasting about 90 minutes during the official G7 dinner in Evian, France, on June 6th.

Of course, it's possible, and we will do our best.

— Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee Jae-myung's response to President Trump's inquiry about building U.S. warships.
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.

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