FM nominee pledges practical tariff, security fixes via strategic US alliance

Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun told lawmakers Thursday that South Korea and the United States should strengthen their alliance to benefit both nations, outlining a practical road map to address challenges ranging from trade disputes to North Korea’s nuclear program. Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the National Assembly, he called for a "win-win strategic partnership" with the United States and emphasized the need for both countries to respond flexibly and strategically to evolving issues like tariffs and alliance modernization. The Trump administration has intensified trade tariff demands on South Korea as part of its broader "America First" strategy to reduce U.S. trade deficits and bolster domestic manufacturing. Trump has threatened a 25 percent "reciprocal" tariff on South Korean — and Japanese — imports to take effect Aug. 1, to pressure these nations to adopt more favorable conditions for the U.S. economy. Regarding an impending tariff standoff, Cho expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached before the U.S. deadline. "Time is running out, but thereWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times