This Reuters photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 9, 2025. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 10 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea should take a prudent and guarded approach in its negotiations with the Trump administration over his proposed “package deal” on tariffs and security issues, as it would be better not to hastily respond to such talks under Seoul’s current acting leadership, experts said Thursday.
Experts said South Korea needs to carefully consider what it can offer to the United States and secure from it in return, such as stronger U.S. security commitment, as Trump has announced a 90-day pause on its “reciprocal” tariffs on South Korea and others.
Trump suggested Wednesday (U.S. time) that his administration will put other security and non-tariff issues all on the table, saying that reducing American troops abroad, like in Europe and South Korea, can be “part of” the negotiations.
“As a shift in policy direction could create new problems, it would be strategically wise to hold off on the defense cost-sharing issue until the new government comes in,” Jo Bee-yun, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, said.
South Korea will hold an early presidential election on June 3, following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law attempt.
Jo noted that the succeeding government could highlight the presence of American troops in South Korea in the context of deterring China’s assertiveness in the region, including the Taiwan Strait.
“The government should clarify its stance on China, and particularly Taiwan, and highlight that it also contributes to the U.S. deterrence in countering Beijing in the region,” Jo said.
Yang of the Asan institute said it’s important to gauge what the U.S. wants from South Korea in the broader effort to counter China.
“To what extent South Korea can cooperate in this regard will be key to the relationship with the U.S.,” he said.
On Wednesday, the foreign ministry reaffirmed that South Korea has contributed to the stable USFK presence through its “steady increases” in the defense cost-sharing.
“We intend to continue to enhance these efforts and will actively explain our position to the U.S. side, and seek dialogue and cooperation,” the ministry said.
(Yonhap)
