As a crucial August 1 deadline looms, South Korea and the United States are racing to finalise a sprawling package deal encompassing tariffs and security. The high-stakes negotiations are intensifying scrutiny on how Washington’s far-reaching demands concerning defence and regional stability will ultimately shape the agreement.
The negotiations may include pressure on Seoul to increase its defence spending and take on a larger role in countering China, both of which align with US President Donald Trump’s explicit demands of American allies in Asia.
Since President Lee Jae-myung took office on June 4, US officials have repeatedly emphasised the need to modernise the bilateral alliance on defence and security cooperation. The term was notably used by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a congratulatory message on Lee’s inauguration, when he said, “We are also modernising the alliance to meet the demands of today’s strategic environment and address new economic challenges.”
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The idea was highlighted again during a visit to Seoul by Kevin Kim, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia, on July 10.
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Trump imposes 25% unilateral tariffs on Japan, South Korea amid slow negotiation progress
Trump imposes 25% unilateral tariffs on Japan, South Korea amid slow negotiation progress
Alliance modernisation was a key item on the agenda in his meeting with his counterpart, Hong Ji-pyo, director general for North American affairs at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When asked to clarify what the term specifically entails, a foreign ministry official said the government would “continue to consult and cooperate closely with the US to develop the alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic partnership capable of responding to the evolving economic and security environment,” but declined to offer further details.
