Yongho Lee: "Summit Score 90 Points... NCG More Efficient Than NATO"

Lee Yong-ho, a member of the People Power Party, gave a high score of 90 points for the recent Korea-US summit results. Although specific details related to the North Korean nuclear issue, such as the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), were discussed, he evaluated that no achievements were made regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) related to the economy.

On the 27th, Lee said on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The NCG between Korea and the US is a body where officials from both countries regularly consult on nuclear issues, including North Korea's nuclear and missile problems," adding, "NATO involves discussions among 30 countries, which can be inefficient and time-consuming, but since we have a bilateral relationship, we just need to pick up the phone and can always communicate, making it very efficient."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the Korea-US summit, he said, "The leaders of both countries promised to move toward a truly new future in a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a very meaningful time," and added, "I think the score would not be less than 90 points."

However, the day before, President Biden stated that "there will be no deployment of nuclear assets on the Korean Peninsula," drawing a line against independent nuclear armament. Considering that the ruling party had discussed 'independent nuclear armament,' the outcome fell short of expectations. Lee said, "Is deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Korea really the best option? Is deploying nuclear weapons the most effective way to prevent North Korea's nuclear proliferation and provocations?" and added, "In that regard, there is public opinion that 'not necessarily so.'"

Excluding independent nuclear armament, he considered the results satisfactory. He said, "Other than us arming ourselves with nuclear weapons, I think this is the best response system that the US can currently create together with us," adding, "Because, in the case of the US, the president alone decides everything regarding nuclear issues, and the fact that they are willing to share that with our Korean government?information, responses, and execution?is quite unprecedented."

However, he pointed out that achievements related to the Semiconductor Act and IRA were lacking more than expected. Lee said, "It is lacking. Very lacking," and added, "After all, the US president acts for the US national interest, and in areas like semiconductors and batteries, the US is conducting diplomacy for its own country's interests and jobs."

He said, "The problem is that we are operating in a small territory without natural resources, relying solely on technology and competitiveness," and added, "Anyway, I expect and understand that our government will persistently negotiate on this matter."

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