Seoul: South Korea's tariff negotiations with the Donald Trump administration should be addressed separately from its defense burden-sharing, a prominent U.S. lawmaker stated, advising Seoul against making any "hasty" decisions in the upcoming talks. Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) emphasized this point as South Korea seeks to negotiate with the United States to lessen the effects of Trump's impending 25 percent import levy, set to commence in July after a 90-day suspension.
According to Yonhap News Agency, speculation has risen about a possible trade-off, where Seoul might increase its share of the cost for maintaining U.S. troops in Korea in exchange for reduced tariff rates, following President Trump's suggestion of a "one-stop shopping" deal. However, Bera advised keeping economic trade issues distinct from strategic defense matters, highlighting the longstanding 70-year defense alliance between the two nations as a separate entity.
During an interview, Bera remarked on the Trump administration's evolving tariff policies, such as the 90-day halt on the levy imposition, indicating a willingness to negotiate. He warned that combining multiple issues in negotiations could complicate matters, suggesting caution against hasty decisions.
Bera, who is a ranking member of the House Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, was in Seoul as part of a delegation from the bipartisan Congressional Study Group on Korea. He praised South Korea's significant investments in the U.S., expressing optimism that the tariff discussions might lead to favorable outcomes, especially with ongoing talks about cooperation in shipbuilding and a liquefied natural gas project in Alaska.
Addressing concerns about South Korea potentially developing its own nuclear capabilities in response to North Korean threats, Bera reiterated the U.S. commitment to nuclear deterrence for its ally and the responsibilities tied to any nuclear ambitions by South Korea.
He emphasized the importance of the U.S. nuclear deterrence commitment under the Washington Declaration, a 2023 summit agreement where the U.S. pledged to extend its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend South Korea.
Regarding the potential reduction of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) under the Trump administration, Bera highlighted Seoul's vital role in maintaining regional stability through the presence of U.S. troops. He noted the importance of the current cost-sharing arrangement for USFK upkeep, signed under Biden, and expressed hope for its continuation.
Bera also commented on the improved relations between South Korea and Japan, expressing hope that the trilateral cooperation framework with the U.S., established under Biden, will continue to progress. He noted the bipartisan support in Korea for maintaining strong bilateral ties with Japan, marking a positive trajectory for future collaborations.