Measurable summit success

In his diplomatic superweek, President Lee Jae Myung has demonstrated that his formidability on the domestic political stage extends beyond Korea's borders. Lee's summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House Oval Office produced no major contentions. Lee stayed on message, praising Trump's role as "peacemaker" and saying he himself could serve as a "pacemaker" in matters involving the two Koreas. Trump said that he was open to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un within the year. Despite some last-minute drama before the summit, the mood between the two leaders settled quickly, and they discussed defense spending as well as close cooperation through sectors such as nuclear power and shipbuilding to renew U.S. manufacturing. In its July tariff agreement with the U.S., a 15 percent blanket tariff was imposed on Korea, lower than the threatened 25 percent, and Korea pledged to invest $350 billion investment in the U.S. and buy $100 billion worth of energy products from the United States. Contrary to fears that the U.S. would push for further opening of Korea'sWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times