South Korea

최상목 "이른 시일 내 美 트럼프와 통화…고위급 소통 본격 전개"

Money Today | Local Language | News | Jan. 22, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, announced plans for high-level communication with the U.S., including an upcoming phone call with President Trump. He emphasized the importance of engaging with U.S. ministers to foster cooperative relations with the new administration.

Choi congratulated Trump on his inauguration, expressing hopes for improved Korea-U.S. relations. He acknowledged the implications of Trump's America First policy on South Korea's economy, particularly regarding protective measures and trade restructuring. Choi outlined the government's proactive approach to prepare for U.S. policy impacts and support the business community.

Moving forward, Choi stated that the government would reassess the economic impacts of the new U.S. administration's policies, aiming to maximize opportunities and minimize risks. He highlighted plans for economic cooperation in sectors like shipbuilding and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance based on mutual trust.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 22, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Seoul is experiencing political uncertainty as Donald Trump begins his second term, complicating its diplomatic relations with Washington and Beijing amid ongoing U.S.-China competition. Both leaders, Trump and Xi Jinping, are navigating a phase of cautious interaction rather than direct confrontation. Trump's planned visit to China within his first 100 days and the postponement of a TikTok ban suggest a potential thaw in relations, bolstered by China's decision to send a high-ranking envoy to Trump's inauguration.

This uncertainty could hinder South Korea's response to U.S.-China developments, especially as Japan engages in high-level diplomacy with both powers. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is actively meeting with U.S. officials and plans to communicate South Korea's interests. However, this could disadvantage Seoul if diplomatic ties weaken amid its political turmoil.

Experts caution that a stronger U.S.-Japan alliance under Trump might shift the balance of power against South Korea, whose political instability has raised concerns within the Trump administration. The Korean government's diplomatic efforts, including a potential foreign ministers meeting with the U.S., are complicated by the absence of an ambassador to China, creating additional challenges in managing Beijing relations.

In light of this diplomatic vacuum, a bipartisan group of Korean lawmakers visited the U.S. to discuss bilateral relations and reinforce the Korea-U.S. alliance ahead of Trump's inauguration. Despite representing South Korea at the inauguration, ongoing political uncertainties could limit Seoul's influence amid the evolving U.S.-China dynamics.

Korea Times | English | News | Jan. 22, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The South Korean government reaffirmed its commitment to North Korea's denuclearization following U.S. President Donald Trump's remark labeling North Korea as a "nuclear power." This comment came shortly after Trump's second-term inauguration and highlighted his positive rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. South Korea's defense ministry emphasized the necessity of persistent denuclearization efforts for global peace and stability.

In reaction to Trump's statement, a spokesperson from the South Korean defense ministry reaffirmed the nation's dedication to collaborating with the international community on denuclearization. The unification ministry indicated that South Korea and the U.S. share a unified stance, promising close cooperation with the new U.S. administration to tackle North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump's characterization aligns with language used by his Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, who also referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power." This shift in rhetoric, typically avoided by U.S. officials to prevent legitimizing North Korea's ambitions, acknowledges the reality of its nuclear status.