Why Lee Jae-myung Proposed the 'Trade Special Committee'?..."Need for Direct Communication with the US Congress"

Forum Hosted by Lee Jaekwan on Responding to Trump's Universal Tariff Policy
"Conveying Korea's Position to U.S. Senators through the Special Trade Committee"

As the tariff war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies, experts have voiced the need for the prompt formation of a special parliamentary committee on trade, proposed by the Democratic Party of Korea to the People Power Party.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the discussion titled "The Inauguration of the Trump Administration's Second Term, How Should We Respond to the Universal Tariff Policy as the Beginning of the Global Trade War?" held on the 5th at the 3rd Seminar Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido. Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

On the 5th, at the 3rd Seminar Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-kwan and 16 other offices, along with the Democratic Party's Future Economic Growth Strategy Committee, held a forum titled "The Launch of Trump's Second Administration: How Should We Respond to the Universal Tariff Policy, the Origin of the Global Trade War?"

Professor Choi Chang-hwan of Dankook University's Department of Trade (President of the Trade Remedy Society), who delivered the keynote speech, introduced the idea that the formation of a special trade committee could serve as a lever for parliamentary diplomacy. Professor Choi stated, "There is no international organization to change President Trump," and emphasized, "We must quickly form the special trade committee." For example, through the formation of the special trade committee, it is possible to establish contact points with U.S. senators who hold favorable views toward Korea. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz from Texas, where Samsung Electronics has invested $45 billion, are examples. There are also senators like Jim Banks from Indiana, where SK Hynix has invested $3.87 billion. These senators have positively evaluated Korean companies' investments in the U.S.

Professor Choi added, "If we hold seminars or forums with them, we can tone down and convey our government's position to President Trump," and "Through this, we can establish communication channels between Korean and U.S. lawmakers."

He further stated, "It is necessary to build a mutually cooperative relationship that can communicate with President Trump." He explained, "Since our country increased U.S. investments significantly during the Biden administration and is seeing a trade surplus, we need a negotiation strategy that emphasizes this to the Trump administration as an achievement of President Trump," and added, "If this is conveyed to the senators, it could enhance our negotiating power."

Also participating as a discussant, Ahn Hong-sang, Director of the Americas Trade Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, mentioned the need for active exchanges within the National Assembly. Director Ahn said, "For senior government officials to meet U.S. staffers, there are limitations that require meetings at the working level," and emphasized, "Diplomacy by lawmakers is important."

He continued, "If Korean and U.S. lawmakers unite through alliances and engage with the U.S. side, it would be very helpful," and added, "It is also necessary to occasionally remind the U.S. side of criticisms regarding trade-related legislation."

Meanwhile, on the 3rd, the Democratic Party proposed to the ruling People Power Party the formation of a special trade committee in the National Assembly, but the People Power Party rejected it, citing a lack of consultation. On the morning of the same day, Lee, the party leader, stated at the Supreme Council meeting, "At times like this, the National Assembly must take the lead and demonstrate the will to overcome the crisis," and "Once again, I propose the formation of the special trade committee to the ruling party."

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