WASHINGTON, May 20 (Yonhap) — A Korean-American Senate candidate highlighted his opposition to a “go-it-alone” foreign policy approach on Monday, saying the United States’ strength stems from its global leadership and engagements.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), a third-term Democratic congressman running for a New Jersey Senate seat, made the remarks as he voiced concerns over a policy of “neo-isolationism” marked by reluctance over America’s international engagements.

Former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy has been seen as having taken on isolationist hues as witnessed in his administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change and curtail other overseas involvement.

“It’s scary right now in America because you know I see it here in Congress where we have a group of people … It’s unfortunately a growing number (of people) that are really pushing a neo-isolationism policy in America that I think would be very damaging,” he said during an online press meeting.

“A lot of Ameri
ca’s global strength comes from our engagement, comes from our leadership that helps our economy and makes our economy stronger, and makes our nation more stable and secure,” he added.

He went on to underline his position against the idea of America “going it alone.”

“In fact, it’ll just make us much more insecure,” he said.

Kim underscored the importance of America’s alliances, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“The only time NATO has ever invoked collective security is in the defense of the United States after Sept. 11,” he said, referring to the terrorist attack in 2001. “We benefit from these alliances and these coalitions.”

Trump took NATO allies aback during a campaign speech in February, where he said that if reelected, he would “encourage” Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to “delinquent” NATO members that fail to meet their defense spending commitments.

Kim outlined his thoughts on foreign affairs as he is well known for his extensive security and diplomatic port
folio that included his time at the U.S. National Security Council and the State Department.

Calling himself a “very proud” son of South Korean immigrants and a father of two boys, he stressed his commitment to making a “difference” in the world that he said is marked by “chaos” and “craziness.”

“There are scary times right now and I don’t want this chaos and this craziness that’s out there right now in the world to just become the new normal for my kids,” he said. “These are the times where I feel like it’s important to engage and hopefully be able to make a difference.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency