To counter China, Trump’s Asia trip seen shoring up shipbuilding with key allies

With US President Donald Trump having kicked off his visit to Asia, new collaborations in shipbuilding with Japan and South Korea are set to advance amid ongoing port-fee disputes with China, as Washington seeks to counter Beijing’s dominance in the maritime sector.

The US government has committed to reviving its nearly defunct shipbuilding industry through strategic partnerships, with key allies Japan and South Korea – major shipbuilding countries – welcoming the initiative with open arms.

During Trump’s three-day state visit to Japan, which started on Monday, the countries plan to sign a memorandum aimed at jointly enhancing their shipbuilding capabilities, including the formation of a working group, The Japan News reported.

The agreement recognises “that a strong and innovative shipbuilding industry is vital to the economic security, strength and competitiveness of the maritime sector and the industrial resilience of both nations”, the report said, quoting the memorandum draft.

The plans include collaborating on shipyard investment, standardising vessel designs and components, advancing technology and enhancing personnel recruitment and training.

Both countries also anticipate shipbuilders being able to perform vessel repairs for each other and supply spare parts, the report added.

  

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