K-BANGSAN BETS ON GLOBAL REARMAMENT

Welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective for this Thursday February 6th here in Seoul.

I'm Min Sunhee.

Bolstering defense is a national priority for any country and Korean arms makers are hoping to better advance this global agenda.

For more I have Steven Borowiec a staff writer for Japanese weekly news magazine Nikkei Asia.

Steven welcome.

I also have Professor Kim Junmo at Konkuk University live on the line.

Professor Kim it's a pleasure.

1) Steven, Asian defense stocks rallied last year with investors betting that the region is poised to fuel a rearmament boom.

Let's begin with this reality and your prospects.

2) Professor Kim, do you believe Mr. Trump's return to the White House is likely to fuel greater global defense spending?

3) Meanwhile, Steven, quite a number of media outlets have covered the reasons behind Korea's remarkable advances in arms development.

Do share them with us, and what are your thoughts regarding Korea's competence in weapon-making?

4) And Professor Kim, do tell us more about Korea's defense industry including its steady advance into the global arms market.

What do you believe has been driving Korea's strides in defense?

5) Steven, the government here has said a second Trump administration would serve to boost Korea's arms exports.

What was said exactly, and do you agree?

6) Professor Kim, Korea hopes to become the fourth largest weapons exporter in 2027.

How feasible is this plan?

7) Steven, earlier last year, you also covered K-defense, if I may.

Do share with us details of your coverage.

8) Steven, for the sake of comparison, do tell us a bit about the current top five arms exporters, and the competition that Korea faces.

9) Professor Kim, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, is poised to host the International Defence Exhibition and Conference later this month.

What should we be keeping our eyes on?

All right.

Well developing defense for the purpose of promoting peace is a policy that looks to be universally embraced especially amid the current geopolitical landscape.

Thank you for watching.