Global Times Editorial
"A High-Stakes Deal Exchanging Tariff Reductions"
Chinese state-run media have claimed that cooperation between South Korea and the United States in the shipbuilding industry could weaken South Korea's competitiveness and deepen its dependence on the United States. This assertion comes amid revelations that the South Korean government has proposed the Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation project, known as 'MASGA' (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again), to the Donald Trump administration.
In an editorial published on the 30th, the Chinese state-run English-language media outlet Global Times stated, "This partnership is presented as a measure aimed at reviving the US shipbuilding industry, but in essence, it is a high-stakes deal in which South Korea exchanges its technological expertise and financial investment for tariff reductions," adding, "It carries uncertain rewards and long-term risks."
Global Times reported, "South Korea dominates advanced shipbuilding, especially in the field of LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers, and appears to be using this as leverage in trade negotiations with the United States to secure concessions such as tariff reductions." The outlet added, "This approach stems from the belief that geopolitics can overturn economic principles, and for South Korea, it is essentially a high-risk gamble amid the rapid reorganization of global supply and trade networks."
This suggests that while using shipbuilding as a political bargaining chip with the United States may yield short-term gains, it could result in a backlash in the form of deteriorating relations with other markets in the long run.
The outlet also noted, "Some in South Korea believe that cooperation with US shipbuilders could provide Korean shipbuilding companies with opportunities to expand their global market share," but emphasized, "However, this partnership could lead South Korea to become more dependent on or even subordinated to US interests, creating a dangerous situation."
Meanwhile, on the same day, another state-run media outlet, China Daily, stressed the need for 'strategic autonomy' to the Lee Jaemyung administration in an editorial.
Regarding the phone call between the foreign ministers of South Korea and China the previous day, China Daily stated, "This shows that the two countries are now ready to advance their partnership from a new starting point," adding, "The adoption of a pragmatic stance toward China by the new South Korean government comes from the recognition that healthy, stable, and continuously deepening China-Korea relations serve the fundamental interests of both peoples."
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