On May 25, local time, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba successively inspected the Maritime Self-Defense Force Maizuru Base in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, and the Japan United Shipbuilding (JMU) Maizuru Factory. At a subsequent press conference, Shigeru Ishiba particularly emphasized Japan's technical advantages in the field of icebreakers and stated that "icebreaker technology may be the key to promoting negotiations on tariffs with the United States."
According to the Nikkei Shimbun, Shigeru Ishiba said that Japan has significant advantages in the field of icebreaker technology, especially in the development and maintenance of icebreakers for Arctic routes. Japan intends to strengthen cooperation with the United States in shipbuilding and icebreaker development and incorporate it as part of ongoing U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations.
"The repair of U.S. naval vessels in Japan is also possible, and the Japanese government will support it." Shigeru Ishiba specifically mentioned that with China and Russia accelerating the development of Arctic shipping routes, the strategic value of icebreakers is becoming increasingly prominent. They not only undertake cargo transportation functions but also bear the important responsibility of ensuring the security of trade routes. He emphasized that the possibility of repairing U.S. naval vessels in Japan is under discussion, and the Japanese government will provide support. This will effectively enhance the international competitiveness of Japan's shipbuilding industry.
Since 2023, American think tanks have continued to hype up the "China shipbuilding threat theory," stating that China possesses more than half of the world's shipbuilding capacity, exceeding that of the United States by more than 200 times. In the face of the huge gap between China and the United States, Americans decided to find allies and involve Japan and South Korea in construction. During his visit to Japan in April, U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan clearly stated that the U.S. side would request Japan's assistance in building dual-use warships and civilian ships. He also plans to meet with relevant representatives of Japanese enterprises and inspect shipyards, aiming to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry through measures such as setting up joint funds.
Screenshot of the Japanese icebreaker
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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508581490424332800/
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