1/ When newly elected Korean President Lee Jae-myung was set to meet President Donald J. Trump, I expected a positive event.
For 75 years, the U.S. has defended South Korea. My father fought there in 1953 and returned in the ’60s. Under our protection, South Korea became an economic powerhouse.
For 75 years, the U.S. has defended South Korea. My father fought there in 1953 and returned in the ’60s. Under our protection, South Korea became an economic powerhouse.
2/ South Korea now builds ~35% of the world’s merchant ships-second only to China.
I’ve argued their advanced shipbuilding could help solve America’s naval crisis. U.S. shipyards are outdated, leaving our Navy and Coast Guard with inadequate fleets.
I’ve argued their advanced shipbuilding could help solve America’s naval crisis. U.S. shipyards are outdated, leaving our Navy and Coast Guard with inadequate fleets.
3/ On that front, the visit was a major success:
President Lee proposed billions in South Korean investment to modernize U.S. shipyards and help rebuild our Navy and Coast Guard.
President Lee proposed billions in South Korean investment to modernize U.S. shipyards and help rebuild our Navy and Coast Guard.
4/ But shocking news overshadowed this win:
-Raids on churches and opposition leaders with 1,000+ police
-Demands for church and party membership rolls
-Even a raid on a joint U.S.–Korean air base without notifying American personnel
Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled key meetings in protest.
-Raids on churches and opposition leaders with 1,000+ police
-Demands for church and party membership rolls
-Even a raid on a joint U.S.–Korean air base without notifying American personnel
Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled key meetings in protest.
5/ President Trump raised these abuses directly with President Lee. Will Lee pull back from these tactics or risk decades of U.S. partnership? The next few weeks will tell. 
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