Presidential Office "Discussing Semiconductor Cooperation Plans with the US through Various Channels" (Update)

Possibility of Joining the 'Chip4 Alliance': "No Official Position Yet from the Government"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] The Presidential Office stated on the 14th that "we are discussing ways to strengthen semiconductor cooperation with the United States through various channels."

A Presidential Office official mentioned at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon that regarding the possibility of South Korea participating in the U.S. government's 'Chip 4 Alliance (Semiconductor Alliance)' initiative to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, "The U.S. emphasized several times in the June supply chain review report that partnerships in the semiconductor sector are important." However, the official added, "There is nothing to answer about the specific schedule at this time."

According to sources in Washington, the U.S. requested the South Korean government to inform whether it would participate in the 'Chip 4 Alliance.' Currently, Japan and Taiwan have responded positively to participation, but South Korea has not yet provided an answer. A key official from the Presidential Office also stated, "There is no consolidated government position yet regarding participation in the Chip 4 Alliance."

However, it was conveyed that discussions are underway to strengthen semiconductor cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., and that a comprehensive review is needed to decide on participation in the Chip 4 Alliance. This is because the Chip 4 Alliance is likely to be interpreted not merely as a semiconductor supply chain consultation but as a move to counter China, and the pros and cons of entering into such cooperation must be carefully considered.

The Presidential Office is likely to exchange specific positions through the Korea-U.S. 'Economic Security Dialogue' channel, which discusses economic security issues and response strategies with the White House. Last week, key officials from the Presidential Office, including Economic Security Secretary Wang Yoonjong, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Ministry of Science and ICT, visited the White House for focused discussions on "strengthening the semiconductor supply chain." At this meeting, the U.S. government mentioned semiconductor supply chain restructuring and requested continuous cooperation from the South Korean government, including information sharing. The South Korean government emphasized strengthening cooperation by expanding the semiconductor sector from a key supply chain management target to an advanced new technology field.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.