Details
Maritime and shipbuilding capabilities translate not only into military strength, but also into significant economic leverage, particularly in this era of multipolarity and heightened geopolitical competition and uncertainty. As nearly 90% of global trade moves by sea, it can be said that control over ships is as critical as control of the world’s waters. A clear manifestation of this is China’s extraordinary naval buildup, which shows no signs of slowing down amid its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea region. Although ASEAN states are predominantly littoral, their maritime and shipbuilding sectors have yet to achieve the competitiveness seen in East Asia. At the same time, concerns persist about the United States’ declining naval power amid various challenges, not least China's undeterred naval expansion and the conflict in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, strengthening understanding of maritime and shipbuilding capabilities is essential for economic, geopolitical, and strategic considerations.
In this context, the KAS Maritime Security Advisory Network (MSAN) international study program aims to generate policy and strategic insights into South Korea’s maritime industry, with a particular focus on its shipbuilding capacity, industrial strategies, and the role of maritime capabilities in enhancing national security and economic power. The study seeks to draw lessons applicable to enhancing the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s maritime and shipbuilding capacity and to foster dialogue with South Korean experts, industry leaders, and policymakers on best practices in maritime industry development and international cooperation.
***
About MSAN
The maritime domain has become a pivotal arena of economic power, geopolitical rivalry, and global security in the 21st century, making its stability indispensable for international trade, technological progress, and strategic balance among nations. In response, KAS established the Maritime Security Advisory Network (MSAN) in 2025, bringing together leading maritime security experts from across the Asia‑Pacific region to develop innovative policy solutions through different engagements. A key objective of the network is to strengthen connections with stakeholders in Europe, identify shared challenges and strategies, and provide insights on critical developments shaping the Indo-Pacific maritime landscape. KAS Philippines convenes and leads the program
