Lee: "Security Relying on Others' Strength Is Unstable ... A Reality We Are Witnessing Even Now"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 30th, "Security that relies on others' strength becomes unstable when that country's circumstances or situation changes." He continued, calling it "a reality we are witnessing even now," and stressed the need for self-reliant national defense.
In a congratulatory address at the launch ceremony for ROKS Daeho Kim Jongseo, held that day at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, President Lee said, "We must defend our seas with our own strength. The same goes for our skies and land."
He also stressed, "Only when we can defend ourselves can we determine our own future," adding, "Self-reliant national defense is sovereignty itself." He pledged, "We will continue moving forward until self-reliant national defense is achieved."
Referring to the country's independent capability to design and build warships, President Lee said, "There was a time when we borrowed them. There was also a time when we bought them." He added, "The Republic of Korea has now become a country that designs, builds and operates world-leading warships on its own."
He also outlined plans to expand naval capabilities. President Lee said, "Going forward, the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will secure core capabilities for self-reliant national defense, including nuclear-powered submarines and manned-and-unmanned force platforms." He promised to improve service members' compensation and service conditions so they can focus on their missions.
Regarding the defense industry, he said, "It has not only protected our national security but has now become a key pillar driving South Korea's economy." He also stressed, "We must continue strengthening our R&D capabilities while rapidly transferring advanced civilian technologies into the defense sector."
Lee said, "We will actively expand opportunities for the military, academia and businesses to conduct research and invest together," adding, "We will streamline complicated procedures, expand support and ensure that new technologies are fielded as quickly as possible." He indicated that the government would support defense technology exports and overseas cooperation so they could become a new source of economic opportunity for the Korean people.
He described the shipbuilding industry as "our source of pride and the driving force that made the Republic of Korea a maritime power." He added, "We will actively support the industry so it can maintain its overwhelming lead and rise to an even higher level."
He also stressed, "We will firmly establish shipbuilding as a new growth engine that drives not only the national economy but also our regional economies."
ROKS Daeho Kim Jongseo is the Republic of Korea Navy's latest Aegis destroyer, named after General Kim Jong-seo, who established six fortresses in the north during the reign of King Sejong the Great. President Lee explained that the vessel completes a shipbuilding journey that began with Sejong the Great, saying, "It was 24 years ago that we decided to build an Aegis ship with our own hands."
President Lee also introduced remarks by former President Roh Moo-hyun, who attended the launch ceremony for Sejong the Great at the same venue 19 years ago. Roh had said, "I had prepared a well-written speech, but my heart is so full that I cannot read it properly." Lee added, "Today, as I stand before this proud warship that will steadfastly defend our seas, I think I can understand that feeling and those words a little."
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter