Korea to build naval fleet to guard nat`l interests: Kim

President Kim Dae-Jung said that Korea would build a naval fleet to navigate the five oceans for the protection of the national interests and the maintenance of world peace. The president made the remarks in a speech to graduates of the Korea Naval Academy.

The fleet will be composed of Aegis destroyers, submarines, and anti-submarine patrol aircraft, he was quoted as saying by ROK Navy officials. It was the first official announcement of the naval buildup program.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com