Washington:<Text>
President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss efforts for "alliance modernization" during their highly anticipated summit at the White House early next week, as revealed by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. The modernization initiative aims to strengthen the joint defense posture between Seoul and Washington.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this meeting marks the first in-person encounter between Lee and Trump since Lee assumed office in June. The U.S. is keen on adjusting its alliance with Seoul under the modernization banner, especially at a time when it is focused on countering China's growing assertiveness. Wi Sung-lac emphasized that the modernization aims to enhance the security and combined defense capabilities of South Korea and the United States.
Modernizing the alliance is a primary objective for the summit scheduled for August 25, Wi noted. He underscored the necessity of this modernization amid increasing regional instability due to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Lee-Trump summit follows a recent trade agreement between Seoul and Washington, which saw U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for a substantial $350 billion investment package and $100 billion in U.S. energy purchases. The summit aims to solidify this trade agreement at a leadership level, with additional discussions on cooperation in nuclear power, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and defense industries.
President Lee has also proposed a three-stage denuclearization plan for North Korea. The first stage involves freezing North Korea's nuclear and missile activities, followed by a gradual reduction and eventual dismantlement of its nuclear program. While Seoul and Washington agree on the basic framework of this plan, Wi acknowledged that detailed consultations and negot iations, including potential sanctions relief, will be essential.
In preparation for his meeting with Trump, Lee plans to visit Japan over the weekend for discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Wi highlighted the importance of this visit, emphasizing the potential for institutionalizing "shuttle diplomacy" between the two nations. Lee aims to address historical issues separately from future cooperation in security and economic areas, fostering a pragmatic and forward-looking relationship with Japan.