Government: "US, Regardless of Party, Shares Consensus on the Necessity of the ROK-US Alliance"

Concerns Rise Over 'Trump's Return to Power'
Alliance Solidarity Emphasized...Cautious on 'Defense Cost Negotiations'

The government stated that the strong South Korea-US alliance will be maintained regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election. As the possibility of former President Donald Trump's re-election in the upcoming November US election increases, voices calling for preparation against the reduction of US Forces Korea are growing louder.

At a regular briefing on the 16th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim said in response to a question about the government's diplomatic efforts following the increased possibility of re-election of the Republican presidential candidate Trump after the assassination attempt, "Regardless of the political party in the US, there is broad consensus on the value and necessity of our alliance." This is interpreted as a dismissal of concerns about the weakening of the South Korea-US alliance if Trump is re-elected.

Im Soo-seok, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Photo by Yonhap News

Spokesperson Lim explained, "We will continue to strengthen diplomatic efforts and cooperation to gain broad support from the US government and various sectors for the continuous development of the South Korea-US alliance," adding, "Of course, regarding this election, the government is continuing outreach to not only the US Republican Party but also various figures." Outreach refers to diplomatic activities that expand contact beyond official channels to local figures and others.

The government remained reserved about the impact on the ongoing negotiations for the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the Biden administration. A Foreign Ministry official told reporters that day, "The South Korea-US defense cost-sharing negotiations are ongoing," and added, "There are parts to be negotiated between the two countries, so it is premature to make any assumptions at this point."

The South Korea-US delegations began their first meeting at Honolulu, Hawaii, in late April and have recently conducted the 5th round of negotiations. The intervals between negotiation sessions are becoming shorter, leading to positive expectations that both sides are finding consensus that meets their conditions. However, neither side has disclosed when the next round of negotiations will resume.

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