korea president visit us

Aamer Madhani, Associated Press Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

Leave your feedback

• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-south-korean-president-yoon-opens-u-s-visit-with-spotlight-on-space-mega-deals

WATCH: South Korean President Yoon opens U.S. visit with spotlight on space, mega deals

WASHINGTON (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol opened his state visit to Washington on Tuesday by touring a NASA facility with Vice President Kamala Harris as the Biden administration looks to deepen ties with a close ally that it sees as only growing in importance in an increasingly complicated Indo-Pacific .

Watch the event in the player above.

Before Harris and Yoon’s visit to the Goddard Space Flight Center in suburban Greenbelt, Md., the two countries signed a joint statement on cooperation in space communications and navigation, and received briefings from NASA scientists on cooperative efforts on space exploration and addressing the climate crisis,

“Our alliance is leading on some of the most important and pressing issues of our time,” Harris said in remarks with Yoon by her side at the NASA facility.

Yoon, for his part, recalled his exhilaration as a third-grader watching on television as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped off Apollo 11 to become the first humans to set foot on the moon in 1969. Now, NASA and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute are working together to support future lunar exploration efforts searching for evidence of frost or ice deposits in permanently shadowed lunar regions.

Yoon said that the joint statement the two countries signed “will serve as a springboard for taking space cooperation between our two allies to the next level of a space alliance.”

“The universe holds great promise as the stage where synergies from international solidarity and partnerships can deliver their greatest benefits,” Yoon said.

Even before the formal itinerary for the Washington portion of Yoon’s six-day visit to the United States got under way, South Korean and U.S. companies unveiled a pair of whopper deals.

READ MORE: NASA’s James Webb telescope captures a star on the cusp of death

General Motors and South Korea’s Samsung SDI announced plans on Tuesday to build a $3 billion new electric vehicle battery cell plant in a yet-to-be determined location in United States. That came after Yoon on Monday met with a Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarando, who said the streaming platform would invest $2.5 billion in Korea on programming over the next four years, a reflection of the global appetite for Korean music, movies and television.

“We were able to make this decision because we have great confidence that the Korean creative industry will continue to tell great stories,” Sarando said. “We were also inspired by the president’s love and strong support for the Korean entertainment industry and fueling the Korean wave.”

Later Tuesday, Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, were scheduled to make an evening visit to the Korean War Memorial with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.

The visit comes just weeks after scores of highly classified documents were leaked that have complicated relations with allies, including South Korea. The papers viewed by The Associated Press indicate that South Korea’s National Security Council “grappled” with the U.S. in early March over an American request to provide artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

The documents, which cited a signals intelligence report, said then-NSC Director Kim Sung-han suggested the possibility of selling the 330,000 rounds of 155 mm munitions to Poland, since getting the ammunition to Ukraine quickly was the United States’ ultimate goal.

White House officials said that the leak wouldn’t cause lingering tensions but also declined say if the two leaders would discuss South Korea supplying Ukraine with the much-need ammunition.

“We have said many times we are engaging more broadly with our allies and partners that help at high levels to reassure them of our commitment to safeguarding intelligence and, and fidelity to our security, securing partnerships,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. She added that the U.S. commitment to South Korea is “ironclad.”

Biden and Yoon, along with their aides, will hold formal talks on Wednesday at the White House and the two leaders will hold a joint news conference. In the evening, Biden will honor Yoon with a lavish state dinner.

The leaders’ private talks are expected to focus heavily on North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s military and economic assertiveness.

Biden, during the Yoon visit, is also expected to announce specific new nuclear deterrence efforts as well as a new cybersecurity initiative, economic investments and an educational partnership, part of an effort to highlight the breadth and depth of the two countries’ relationship as they mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.

Support Provided By: Learn more

Educate your inbox

Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else.

Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm.

How a pioneering pilot made the first attempt to break NASA’s racial barrier

Nation Feb 25

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Biden to Host South Korean President for State Visit in April

The fact that President Yoon Suk Yeol received the second such invitation of the Biden presidency speaks to the degree of cooperation expected from him on issues involving North Korea and China.

By Katie Rogers

WASHINGTON — President Biden will host President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea for a state visit in April, an invitation that signals the country’s importance in the administration’s efforts to counter threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s rise.

Mr. Yoon, who is scheduled to travel to Washington on April 26 with his wife, Kim Keon Hee, is only the second leader Mr. Biden has invited for a state visit, which comes complete with the regalia of a state dinner. The first state visit of the Biden administration was with President Emmanuel Macron of France , a trip that reaffirmed America’s oldest alliance.

For all of the tools at an American president’s disposal, a state visit — which usually consists of a daylong diplomatic obstacle course followed by a lavish dinner — allows the White House to celebrate ties with its closest allies using pageantry and tradition.

The fact that Mr. Yoon received the second invitation of the Biden presidency speaks to the degree of cooperation Mr. Biden expects on issues involving North Korea and China. The president traveled to Seoul shortly after Mr. Yoon’s inauguration last year in a visit that the White House said was meant to assure Mr. Yoon that the United States was committed to countering North Korean military threats.

During that visit, the leaders agreed to reinstate joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, a decades-long show of cooperation that was suspended during the Trump administration. (Former President Donald J. Trump said the drills were too costly .)

A conservative former prosecutor, Mr. Yoon, 62, was narrowly elected to the presidency last March. He has been openly critical of his predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who arranged high-stakes summits between Mr. Trump and Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader.

“I will pursue predictability, and South Korea will take a more clear position with respect to U.S.-China relations,” he said in an interview with The New York Times last September.

South Korea has also stepped up its military arms production as the United States and other nations find their stockpiles depleted from assisting Ukraine during the yearlong Russian invasion.

The U.S.-South Korea partnership goes beyond military strategy. Seoul has invested billions in American clean-energy and chip-manufacturing efforts, including a $22 billion investment announced by the SK Group conglomerate in July.

And after Mr. Yoon’s election, South Korea joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a 14-nation collective seen as a bulwark against China in the race to secure global supply chains. Mr. Yoon also agreed to attend preliminary talks for a technology alliance known as “Chip 4” with the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

In a statement, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said that the visit would “highlight the importance and enduring strength of the ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance as well as the United States’ unwavering commitment to the ROK,” using shorthand for South Korea. “The presidents will discuss our shared resolve to deepen and broaden our political, economic, security and people-to-people ties.”

Mr. Biden and Mr. Yoon have met several times in recent months. In November, when Mr. Biden was on a swing through Cambodia and Indonesia , he met with Mr. Yoon in Phnom Penh, promising “the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities” to deter North Korean threats, according to a White House readout. In September, the two met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, again promising to assure close cooperation in countering North Korea.

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent, covering life in the Biden administration, Washington culture and domestic policy. She joined The Times in 2014. More about Katie Rogers

Inside the Biden Administration

Here’s the latest news and analysis from washington..

Russian State Television Investigation:  The F.B.I. raided the homes of two prominent American commentators on Russian state television channels  as part of an effort to blunt attempts to influence November’s election.

Secret Nuclear Strategy:  In a classified document approved in March, the president ordered U.S. forces to prepare  for possible coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China and North Korea.

Drug Price Limits: The Biden administration announced the results of landmark negotiations  between Medicare and pharmaceutical companies over the prices of 10 costly or common medications .

Protections for Transgender Students: The Supreme Court temporarily continued to block Education Department rules  intended to protect transgender students from discrimination in several Republican states.

Life After the White House: As he heads into his final months in office, President Biden has more publicly embraced the idea of retirement  with a jovial serenity.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to hold meetings with President Biden

Steve Inskeep

Anthony Kuhn

Wednesday's meeting is the first by a Korean leader in 12 years. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea alliance — both see it as vital to addressing tensions in Asia and beyond.

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

• CNA Explains
• Sustainability
• Latest News
• News Reports
• Documentaries & Shows
• TV Schedule
• CNA938 Live
• Radio Schedule
• Singapore Parliament
• Mental Health
• Interactives
• Entertainment
• Style & Beauty
• Experiences
• Remarkable Living
• Send us a news tip
• Events & Partnerships
• Business Blueprint
• Health Matters
• The Asian Traveller

Trending Topics

Follow our news, recent searches, south korean president yoon travels to us; security ties top agenda amid north korea tensions, advertisement.

Mr Yoon's high-profile trip will be the first state visit to the US by a South Korean leader since 2011, and will mark the 70th anniversary of the nations’ alliance.

Lim Yun Suk

Nick harper.

Darrelle Ng

SEOUL/WASHINGTON DC: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol arrived in the United States on Tuesday (Apr 25), seeking to bolster security and economic ties amid concerns over its increasingly powerful neighbours.

He is due to meet US President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday, where both leaders are expected to discuss countering China’s growing dominance, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and the war in Ukraine.

Mr Yoon's high-profile trip from Apr 24 to 29 will be the first state visit to the US by a South Korean leader since 2011. It will mark the 70th anniversary of nations’ alliance.

Analysts believe Mr Yoon wants to leave Washington with firm commitments, as the South Korean public grows increasingly sceptical of reliance on US protection amid military tensions with the North.

A recent poll by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies showed more than half of respondents believed the US would not risk its safety to protect South Korea, said Reuters.

“The state visit by President Yoon needs to be more than just a birthday party,” said Mr Danny Russel, vice president of international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

“The South Korean people may be less confident in the US’ nuclear commitment to South Korea than they have been in the past. So, it is very important for this visit to generate something that is visible, audible and credible,” said Mr Russel.

DEFENCE TIES

Among Mr Yoon’s entourage is Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jeong-soo.

When North Korea made a surprise attack on the tiny South Korean island of Yeonpyeong in November 2010 – its first act of aggression since the end of the Korean War in 1953 – Mr Kim was defending on the frontlines.

The then-commander of the Marines’ 7th Artillery Battery of the Yeonpyeong Marine Unit, along with several other victims of previous North Korean aggressions, were chosen to travel to Washington with President Yoon.

Analysts said the composition of the delegates is a clear indication that security will top the agenda.

Myongji University’s political science professor Shin Yul said he is watching the summit closely to see if the US mentions the possibility of redeploying tactical weapons in South Korea to help the country defend itself, should there be an attack by North Korea.

“I would call it a great success if the visit to the US creates an atmosphere that allows the consideration of the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea,” said Prof Shin.

“We have left some space open for tactical nuclear weapons to enter our country. Now, we have to start preparing and I hope this visit will be an important step towards that.”

Mr Yoon’s visit comes at a time when calls for Seoul to arm itself with nuclear weapons are rising, with a majority of South Koreans in favour of the option as Pyongyang's military ambitions grow increasingly bolder.   

He is also expected to seek President Biden’s reassurance that the US nuclear umbrella in the region is effective, Mr Lee Choon-geun, a North Korea policy expert, said.

“The strategy on extended deterrence needs to be very much more concrete,” noted the senior research fellow at Washington-based research centre Science and Technology Policy Institute.

“Even if we can’t share nuclear weapons, we should look for ways to strengthen information-sharing about US plans for its nuclear assets in East Asia, and use them together if needed.”

TECHNOLOGY TIES

The allies' relationship goes beyond defence and deterrence for both leaders. Economic cooperation is also on the cards, including stabilising supply chains and expanding cooperation in a whole host of high-tech areas.

“I hope that the US will … allow more space for joint development on cutting-edge technology, while cooperating more closely to expand into the high-tech industry,” said Mr Lee.

Last year, South Korean carmaker Hyundai announced the creation of a US$10 billion electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in the US state of Georgia.  

“It really needs to be an alliance that is powered by chips, batteries and clean technology , which really just represents the expansion and the reciprocal nature of the alliance as it is developing,” said Mr Scott Snyder, senior fellow for Korea studies at think tank Council on Foreign Relations.

RED CARPET TREATMENT

Washington has planned a splashy reception to honour Mr Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee, including a grand welcome ceremony and a lavish dinner, as the Biden administration rushes to reassure Seoul of its support.

This comes amid controversies that the US has been spying on its allies, including eavesdropping on South Korea.

But while the recent leak of Pentagon documents could cause some awkwardness, most analysts agree it is not enough to undermine discussions.

Aside from bilateral ties, the US has also for years tried to help improve South Korean-Japanese relations following decades of frosty relations over World War II hostilities.

Last month, Mr Yoon became the first South Korean president to visit Japan in more than a decade.

“The US administration must be very pleased that South Korea is taking the initiative under the Yoon government,” said Mr Tom Byrne, president of non-profit organisation The Korea Society.

He added that the closer ties are likely propelled by increased concerns about North Korea’s weapons development and China’s geo-political ambitions in the region.

Mr Yoon and Mr Biden are also expected to discuss more ways to support Ukraine, after the South Korean president signalled Seoul may go beyond its humanitarian and economic aid , and start providing arms to Kyiv.

They will hold a news conference on Wednesday following their summit, and Mr Yoon will give a speech to a joint session of congress on Thursday.

The two presidents will also visit the Korean War Memorial to mark the 70th anniversary of the military pact agreed at the end of the conflict in 1953.

Sign up for our newsletters

Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox

Get the CNA app

Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories

Get WhatsApp alerts

Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app

Related Topics

Also worth reading, this browser is no longer supported.

We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.

To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.

Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by President   Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea in Joint Press   Conference

  Rose Garden

1:43 P.M. EDT PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President, it’s good to see you again, my friend. We’ve met several times over the last year.  And each time, we have deepened our nations’ partnership and for the benefit, I think, of both our peoples.  And today is no exception. Our nations’ relationship is a — has a been a great success story.  The alliance formed in war and has flourished in peace. Seemingly every day, we’ve launched new areas of cooperation on cyber, strategic technologies, space, democracy, and all the areas that matter most to our future. Because of its core, our alliance is about building a better future for all of our people.  And there’s no better example than our economic relationship and partnership, which has — is delivering incredible benefits to both our nations. Through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, we’re advancing economic growth grounded in high standards for our workers, for the environment, and for communities throughout the region. We’re standing together against economic influence being leveraged in coercive ways. And since I took office, Korean companies have invested more than $100 billion in the United States, driving innovation and spurring good new jobs for Americans and Korean workers. Our mutual defense treaty is ironclad, and that includes our commitment to extended deterrence, and — and that includes the nuclear threat and — the nuclear deterrent. They are particularly important in the face of the DPRK’s increased threats and the blatant violation of U.S. [U.N.] sanctions. At the same time, we continue to seek serious and substantial diplomatic breakthroughs with the DPRK to bolster stability on the Peninsula, reduce the threat of proliferation, and address our humanitarian and human rights concerns for the people of the DPRK. The Republic of Korea and the United States are working together, including through our trilateral cooperation with Japan, to ensure the future of the Indo-Pacific is free, is open, prosperous, and secure. I want to thank you again, Mr. President, for your political courage and personal commitment to — to diplomacy with Japan. I’ve worked on these issues for a long time, and I can tell you it makes an enormous difference when we all pull together. I also welcome and support your administration’s new Indo-Pacific strategy.  It’s a strategy that affirms how aligned our two nations are and our visions of the region, and how similar they are. Today, we discussed our work together on promoting peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and beyond. (Clears throat.)  Excuse me. I also affirmed our shared commitment — we, together, shared our affirmed shared commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine against Russia’s brutal assault on their freedom, their territorial integrity, and democracy. And the Republic of Korea’s strong support for Ukraine is important, because Russians’ flagrant — Russia’s flagrant violation of international law matters to nations everywhere in the world, not just in Europe. When I — when it comes right down to it, it’s about what you believe, what you stand for, what kind of future you want for your children and grandchildren. And right now, I believe the world is at an inflection point. The choices we make today, I believe, are going to determine the direction of our world and the future of our kids for decades to come. That’s why this partnership is so important, Mr. President — because we share the same values, the same vision. And I greatly appreciate, Mr. President, that the Republic of Korea co-chaired the second Summit on Democracies last month and that you will host the third Summit on — for Democracies. We both understand that our democracies and our people are our greatest sources of strength.  And working together, they make our nations stronger and more effective. From tracking the climate crisis and strengthening our effort to fight it, and strengthening global health, no two countries are better suited to meet the challenges ahead than the Republic of Korea and the United States. I want to thank you again, Mr. President, for your friendship, your partnership, and all you’ve done to help build a future of shared strength and success. The floor is yours, Mr. President. PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  President Biden, thank you for your special and warm hospitality.  I am very pleased to be making a state visit to the United States during this meaningful year that marks the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. Our two countries have overcome challenges and crises during the past 70 years based on the deep roots of freedom and democracy, building a value alliance that is strong, resilient, and sustainable. We are now being threatened by an unprecedented polycrisis.  The ROK-U.S. Alliance is jointly overcoming this crisis also coming from North Korea as a righteous alliance that contributes to world peace and prosperity. We will further expand the depth and denotation of the ROK-U.S. global comprehensive strategic partnership and march forward to the future. Today, President Biden and myself engaged in constructive dialogue to discuss ways to materialize this shared vision.  The outcome of our dialogue is well outlined in the joint statement adopted today. The first key outcome is extended deterrence.  Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically.  Our two leaders have decided to significantly strengthen extended deterrence of our two countries against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats so that we can achieve peace through the superiority of overwhelming forces and not a false peace based on the goodwill of the other side. Such a will and commitment is captured in the Washington Declaration.  President Biden has reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to extended deterrence towards the Republic of Korea.  Our two countries have agreed to immediate bilateral presidential consultations in the event of North Korea’s nuclear attack and promised to respond swiftly, overwhelmingly, and decisively using the full force of the alliance including the United States’ nuclear weapons.  Our two countries have agreed to establish a Nuclear Consultative Group to map out a specific plan to operate the new extended deterrence system.  Now our two countries will share information on nuclear and strategic weapon operations plans in response to North Korea’s provocations and have regular consultations on ways to plan and execute joint operations that combine Korea’s state-of-the-art conventional forces with the U.S.’s nuclear capabilities, the results of which will be reported to the leaders of our two countries on a regular basis.  In addition, our two countries have agreed to further advance tabletop exercises against a potential nuclear crisis. In addition, deployment of the United States’ strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula will be made constantly and routinely.  President Biden and I will continue to cooperate to strengthen extended deterrence between our two countries based on our historical and concrete agreement reached during our summit. Second, our two leaders have agreed to further strengthen the strategic partnership in economic security, which is directly related to the national economies of our two countries.  President Biden and I welcomed the expansion of our firms’ bilateral mutual investment and advanced technology including semiconductors, electric vehicles, and batteries. President Biden has said that no special support and considerations will be spared for Korean companies’ investment and business activities in particular. We have agreed to consult and coordinate closely so that the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act can further strengthen supply chain cooperations between the two countries in advanced technology.  Furthermore, we plan on ramping up partnerships in cutting-edge technology. We have agreed to establish a dialogue for next-generation emerging and core technology between the U.S. National Security Council and the Korea Office of National Security, pertaining to chips, batteries, biotechnology, quantum science, and other cutting-edge technologies, with the aim of promoting joint R&D and experts exchange. We have also adopted a separate joint statement for strengthening cooperation in the rapidly emerging quantum science and technology domain.  President Biden and I have also agreed to get the ball rolling on discussions about expanding our alliance into cyber and space by applying the Mutual Defense Treaty in cyberspace and space as well. We have also agreed that the Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework adopted this time around will serve as the foundation on which we address cyber threats together and boost cooperation and information sharing, collection, and analysis.  Space is another area that shows great promise for cooperation between our two countries.  During my time here, I was able to visit the NASA Goddard Space Center.  President Biden welcomed the establishment of KASA, and we have agreed to promote cooperation between KASA and NASA. We have also agreed to accelerate discussions on reaching a reciprocal defense procurement agreement, which is equivalent to an FTA in terms of national defense.  Meanwhile, President Biden and I have agreed to promote exchange between the future generations of our two countries.  To this end, we have launched the U.S.-ROK special exchange initiative for youths. In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance this year, our two countries plan to invest a total of $60 million to support exchanges between 2,023 youths majoring in STEM, humanities, and social sciences.  And this also includes the largest Fulbright program to date, which will provide scholarships for 200 students. Last but not least, President Biden and I have agreed that South Korea and the United States, as key partners in achieving stability and building peace in the Indo-Pacific region, will put our heads together as we implement our Indo-Pacific strategies to strengthen our cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges. In particular, President Biden expressed strong support for efforts made by the Korean government to normalize Korea-Japan relations, and we have agreed to continue our efforts in strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation. Furthermore, we reaffirmed that the use of force to take the lives of innocent people — an example of which would be Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — can in no circumstances whatsoever be justified.  In that sense, we agreed to continue our cooperation and efforts alongside the international community to support Ukraine.

During this meeting, we also discussed plans through which our two countries can take a leadership role in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, international development, and energy and food security. I am delighted that through today’s meeting, we’ve opened up a new chapter for the next 70 years of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.  I hope President Biden and I, with the support of people in our two countries, can fully deliver on the blueprint that we have mapped out today with the aim of our — founded in the reaffirmation of the value of freedom and our universal values.  Thank you.  (Applause.) PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you. Now we’re going to take some questions.  The first question is from Courtney of the Los Angeles Times. Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  Your top economic priority has been to build up U.S. domestic manufacturing in competition with China.  But your rules again- — against expanding chip manufacturing in China is hurting South Korean companies that rely heavily on Beijing.  Are you damaging a key ally in the competition with China to help your domestic politics ahead of the election? And one for President Yoon: There have been concerns since last year that North Korea will soon be conducting its seventh nuclear test amid growing domestic support in your country for your own nuclear weapons.  Meanwhile, Russia has suggested it could send its latest weapons to North Korea if South Korea sends lethal aid to Ukraine.  How do you seek to manage the North Korea risk amid obligations to Ukraine and NATO? Thank you. PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Let me respond to your question first. My desire to increase U.S. manufacturing and jobs in America is not about China.  I’m not concerned about China.  Remember, America invented the semiconductor.  We invented it.  We used to have 40 percent of the market.  And we decided that what we’re going to do over the past — I don’t know how many decades — we decided that it was going to be cheaper to export jobs and import product.  And along came the pandemic.  And the pandemic taught us that — we used to have, as I said, 40 percent of the market just some years ago.  Now it’s down to 10 percent.  And again, we invented the super- — We got — so I decided to go out and see what we could do to increase our hold on the market once again.  And so what I did was I went around the country.  As well as in addition to passing the CHIPS and Science Act, I, in fact, visited countries around the world.  And two significant South Korean companies decided they were going to invest billions of dollars in chip manufacturing in the United States.  It wasn’t designed to hurt China.  It was designed to — so we didn’t have to worry about whether or not we had access to semiconductors.  For example, during the pandemic, what happened was all of a sudden everybody started to learn the phrase “supply chain.”  A year ago, no one knew what the hell anybody was talking about when you said “supply chain.”  But now they all know.  And we lost access to these — these semiconductors and which new automobiles in the United States need 30,000 of them just to build a new automobile.  And we didn’t have them.  So we started to invest here.  And what happened was, when we encouraged the investment through the CHIPS and Science Act — and now we have enormous investment in the United States — well over $200 tril- — billion in long-term investment in semiconductors.  And we’re rebuilding the economy of the United States with those semiconductors.  It’s not designed to hurt China.  The only thing I did say, with regard to China: There are certain extremely sophisticated semiconductors that we have built that are useful for nuclear and/or other weapons systems.  Those we are not selling.  We’re not exporting them to China or anyone else.  And so that’s the context in which this has all occurred.  In the meantime, we’re creating thousands of jobs and bringing back a sense of pride and dignity to so many towns in the country where, all of a sudden, over the last three decades, we found out that factory that hired — had 600 people shut down.  The soul of that community was lost.  And so I made sure, when the semiconductors were coming back, that they were not just going to go to the coast, they’d be all over the country.  And so we have a significant “field of dreams” in — outside of — in Ohio, outside of Columbus.  We’re in Texas.  We’re in Arizona.  Anyway — they’re all over the country.  So, it’s not viewed to hurt anyone else.  We are providing access to those semiconductors.  We’re not — we’re a supply chain you can count on.  But we are not — we are not going to sit back and be in a position where we don’t have access to those semiconductors.  We are not going to be a place where we’re the end of that line.  We — we’re the beginning of it. And it’s generating significant economic growth in America and not hurting anybody.  And, by the way, it’s creating jobs in — in South Korea.  It’s creating jobs in South Korea — and not just with SK, but — anyway — with Samsung and other — other industries.  So, I think it’s a win-win.  PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  With regard to your question, let me provide my answer.  Korea and the U.S., based on its Washington Declaration, our two countries have agreed to strengthen extended deterrence, and the implementation level is different from the past.  First of all, we have an NCG — Nuclear Consultative Group — that has been launched that will implement discussions and actions.  And we will hold regular meetings and consultations under NCG.  We will share information on mutual nuclear assets and intelligence, and we will jointly plan responses and also jointly plan exercises and drills and implementation plans.  So, all of these will be strengthened and specified under the Nuclear Consultative Group.  We want to customize our response against North Korea’s nuclear threat based on extended deterrence.  And in the process of achieving this goal, any concerns that Koreans may have against North Korean nuclear weapons will be relieved, I believe. If nuclear weapons are used, our two countries will strengthen our response in a swift manner.  Any further questions to me?  Please.  Q    (As interpreted.)  Reporter Won Junghee from MBN.  I have two questions for you.  With regard to extended deterrence, the NCG that has been formed, how will Korea function under NCG?  Any kind of nuclear-equipped nuclear assets will be in function? And to President Biden: Korea is to maintain the NPT and it is to strengthen extended deterrence, correct?  So, based on your view, do you think this is enough to guard Korea against the North Korean nuclear threat? Thank you very much.  PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  Well, let me address your question about the activities of the NCG.  We are going to be sharing information, and we are going to be acting jointly.  That is the key.  I can’t talk to the specifics right now about what type of information and what type of specific activities we will be conducting.  But, however, under the nuclear umbrella, our extended deterrence was a lot lower.  So, right now it’s an unprecedented expansion and strengthening of the extended deterrence strategy under the Washington Declaration, which will create the NCG. The implementation and the response at this level has never thus far been this strong.  So, this is a new level of extended deterrence much stronger; that, I can say with confidence. PRESIDENT BIDEN:  The response that I would give you is that the extended deterrence means that we are having more consultation with whatever action is to be contemplated or taken.  And we made it really very, very clear.  Any — the ROK has repeatedly formed its — confirmed its commitment to — to the nonproliferation treaty.  And the Washington Declaration is a prudent step to reinforce extended deterrence and respond to advancing DPRK nuclear threat. Look, a nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partisans — partners — is unacceptable and will result in the end of whatever regime, were it to take such an action.  And it’s about strengthening deterrence in response to the DPRK’s escalatory behavior and to deal in complete consultation.  And, you know, the idea that I have absolute authority as Commander-in-Chief and the sole authority to use a nuclear weapon.  But, you know, what the declaration means is that we’re going make every effort to consult with our allies when it’s appropriate if any actions are so called for. Certainly, we’ve talked about this and some other things today.  But the bottom line here is: There’s even closer cooperation, closer consultation.  And — and we’re not going to be stationing nuclear weapons on — on the Peninsula, but we will have visits to — port visits of nuclear submarines and things like that.  We are not walking away from that. My turn to ask a question?  I think the next question is Mary Bruce, ABC. Q    Thank you, Mr. President. You recently launched your reelection campaign.  You’ve said questions about your age are “legitimate.”  And your response is always “Just watch me.”  But the country is watching, and recent polling shows that 70 percent of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, believe you shouldn’t run again.  What do you say to them?  What do you say to those Americans who are watching and aren’t convinced? You’ve said you can beat Trump again.  Do you think you’re the only one? PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I may not be the only one, but I know him well.  And I know the danger he presents to our democracy.  And we’ve been down this road before.  And with regard to — to age, you know, and — and polling data, I noticed the polling data I keep hearing about is that I’m between 42 and 46 percent favorable rating, et cetera.  And — but everybody running for reelection in this time has been in the same position.  There’s nothing new about that.  You’re making it sound like “Biden is really underwater.”  And — number one. Number two, when the same polling data asks whether they think what kind of job I’ve done, it gets overwhelmingly positive results — from 58 percent thinking everything from the CHIPS Act and the — all the things we’ve done. You know, we’ve created — like I said, we’ve created 12 million new jobs.  We’ve created 800,000 manufacturing jobs.  We have economic growth moving.  We’re in a situation where the climate — we’ve invested more money and more help in dealing with the climate crisis than any nation in the world.  And so, things — things are moving.  And the reason I’m running again is there’s a job to finish.  The other thing is that — look, you know, think about what I inherited when I got elected.  I inherited a nation in overwhelming debt at the time, number one — in the hole for the four years that he was President. I inherited a nation that had a serious lo- — loss of credibility around the world as “America First” and — You know, the first meeting I attended — the G7 — I said, “American is back.”  And one of the world leaders looked and said, “For how long?  For how long?”  There was a great concern about the United States being able to lead the free world.  And we’re doing that again.  And those same polls you look at — you take a look at the polls that are saying whether I pulled together NATO and the European Union, as well as the Asian partners.  I think we have.  But there’s more to do.  And with regard to age, I can’t even say — if I guess how old I am, I can’t even say the number.  It doesn’t — it doesn’t register with me.  And — but the only thing I can say is that one of the things that people are going to find out — they’re going to see a race, and they’re going to judge whether or not I have it or don’t have it.  I respect them taking a hard look at it.  I’d take a hard look at it as well.  I took a hard look at it before I decided to run. And I feel good.  I feel excited about the prospects.  And I think we’re on the verge of really turning the corner in a way we haven’t in a long time.  I know you’re tired of hearing me say we’re at an inflection point, but we really are.  What happens in the next two, three, four years is going to determine what the next three or four decades look like.  And I have never been more optimistic in my life about the possibilities of the United States.  Q    To be clear, though, you just said, “I know him well.”  Did Donald Trump’s decision to run affect yours?  Would you be running if he wasn’t? PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Yeah, I think I still would be running if he wasn’t.  I — I do know him well.  He’s not hard to know, as you know.  You know him well, too.  And the question is whether or not — look, there’s just — there’s more to finish the job.  We have an opportunity to put ourselves in a position where we are economically and politically secure for a long time.  Look, there — we continue to have — and I know you don’t like me — hearing me saying it.  There’s still a contest between autocracies and democracies, and we’re the leading democracy in the world.  And it’s something I know a fair amount about.  It’s something I care about and something that I have found a willingness of an awful lot of our allies and friends to follow. So, I think that, you know, we have to finish the job and nail it down. Q    (Inaudible.) INTERPRETER:  You need to repeat the question; the mic was not used.  We cannot interpret. PRESIDENT BIDEN:  They need to repeat the question.  Q    Mr. President, (inaudible). INTERPRETER:  Please use the microphone.  We cannot provide interpretation if you do not use the microphone.  PRESIDENT BIDEN:  You need the microphone.  Q    My apologies.  Thank you.  PRESIDENT BIDEN:  (Inaudible) stealing the microphone. Q    Did the recent leaks revealing that the U.S. was spying on South Korea come up at all in your discussions?  And did President Biden provide you any assurances? PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  With regard to that, we are communicating between our two countries, and we are sharing necessary information.  I believe that investigation is underway in the United States, so various and complex variables are always in play.  We need time to wait for the investigation results by the United States.  And we plan to continue to communicate on the matter. MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  This will be the last question. Q    (As interpreted.)  I’m from Financial News.  My name is Kim Hakjae.  My question goes to both of you.  My first one goes to President Yoon first.  During the state visit, you’ve said that the alliance has strengthened to cutting-edge industries, to cutting-edge science.  And also investments in businesses have been some of the outcomes.  These are some positives.  However, to each individual of the public, how will this have a long-term impact?  What will be the direct benefits felt?

And to President Biden: In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, I know that the atmosphere is really positive.  However, Korean businesses, especially because of the CHIPS Act and the IRA, are on edge.

What message can you send to the Korean companies to really make sure and tell them that this is not something to worry about?

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  The technology cooperation between the ROK and the U.S., and also in partnerships in cutting-edge industries, in science and technology, was your first question.  So, that is about really strengthening the competitiveness of our two countries.  And it will enhance the productivity and to create added value — high added value.  These are the types of products that are going to be produced. 

And from the perspective of the public, for each individual: In that process, they will reap the benefits wide and comprehensive that will stem from these industries and investments in these industries — for example, from job creation, as well. 

And above all, the future generations will be given the determination and will to take on new challenges and embrace opportunities in our industry so that they can continue to prosper and grow and become more abundant in the future.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  The reassurance is that it’s overwhelmingly in our interests for Korea to do well.  No, it is.  It’s very much in America’s interest that Korea do well in the Pacific — very well — because they are one of our most valued partners.  And so I think the combination of growing democracies and the democratic institutions, as well as their economies, is overwhelmingly in the benefit of the United States, whether it is in South Korea or it’s in Australia, in the deep South Pacific. 

And so, I think that there’s a reason — overwhelming reason.  Plus, in addition to that, we’re increasing the number of student exchanges, access to more information between our folks, educating our people, as well as we’re going to be cooperating on everything from space to technology to medicine.  And so, there’s so many opportunities we have. 

And I don’t think we — at least we don’t — and I don’t think, so far, most of the South Korean companies believe that there’s somehow a — a U.S. effort to slow them down, prevent their growth, or anything like that.  We’d like to see them grow.  And — and I mean that sincerely. 

It’s overwhelmingly in the U.S. interest for South Korea to do very well economically.  It’s overwhelmingly in our interest because it has —

And lastly, you know, I think we underestimate the example that South Korea sets.  Here you have a nation that is significant but is not a nation of 2-, 3-, 400,000 people, making the kind of changes it’s making.  It gives other smaller nations hope to believe that if they have democratic institutions and commitment and in- — and impact on industries that in fact are the cutting-edge industries — new sciences and technology, including AI and other things — that there’s a future for them.  And I think that’s what this is about. 

And so we — we view South Korea’s economic growth as a benefit to the United States, as well as freedom around the world. 

Thank you all so very much.  Appreciate it.  (Applause.)

Q    (Inaudible) debt limit vote?  Are you going to (inaudible) McCarthy?

Q    Republicans say you’re refusing to negotiate on the debt limit.  They’re saying you’re missing in action.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  They haven’t figured out the debt limit yet.

Q    Are you missing in action?

Q    Will negotiate with them on the debt limit?

Q    Will you meet with McCarthy?

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I’m happy to meet with McCarthy, but not on whether or not the debt limit gets extended.  That’s not negotiable.  I notice they quote Reagan and they quote — they quote Reagan all the time and they quote Trump, both of which said — it says — I’m paraphrasing — it would be an absolute crime to not extend the debt limit.

2:19 P.M. EDT

Stay Connected

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.

Here's why the South Korean president's visit to the United States is significant

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is in the United States this week on a multi-state visit marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

President Joe Biden hosted a state dinner at the White House on Wednesday evening for Yoon. It was only the second state visit of the Biden administration following last year's visit from French President Emmanuel Macron.

His meetings in Washington come at a sensitive time not only for regional security issues, but also for trade.

"Korea, as you know, has made enormous progress in its economy, its footprint in diplomacy, its regional role, its cultural power in terms of movies and music and soft power. It comes at a very important time for issues of diplomacy, defense, security, trade, high technology," said Washington-based Vice President of the East-West Center Satu Limaye .

"I think there's a lot of anticipation as to what will happen over the next couple of days, including expected remarks to a joint session of the United States Congress."

During Yoon's visit to the U.S., Limaye said he's watching for announcements about investments in manufacturing on U.S. soil, as well as how national news portrays modern South Korea.

Yoon has already visited NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and met with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos about the streaming platform's $2.5 billion investment in Korean entertainment over the next four years. Yoon is also scheduled to visit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston.

"There's lots of ways in which Korea now has made a mark. There are 2 million Korean Americans in the United States, large numbers of Korean American elected officials at national and state levels. So in all ways, Korea is arriving on the 70th anniversary as a major U.S. partner and as a major global player," Limaye added.

Satu Limaye also created and directs the Asia Matters for America initiative, including the recently released “Korea Matters for America.”

The East-West Center is hosting a public discussion on U.S.-Korea relations at 2 p.m. on May 3 in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi Center for Korean Studies and the Korean Consulate.

This interview aired on  The Conversation  on April 26, 2023. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Ukraine, China main focus as South Korean president visits White House

SEOUL — President Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, don’t have a whole lot in common.

They come from different ends of the political spectrum. Biden is liberal and a lifelong politician, while conservative Yoon first entered politics only two years ago to run for president. Being a father and grandfather is central to Biden’s identity; Yoon didn’t get married until he was 51 and has no children.

Yet the two men agree on one thing: The alliance between their countries is more important than ever.

Biden will host Yoon at the White House this week for a state dinner to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the mutual defense treaty that bound together their security interests after the Korean War ended with a cease-fire. On Thursday, Yoon is scheduled to deliver a speech at a joint meeting of Congress, the first South Korean president in a decade to do so.

For Yoon, who is 62 and has not spent much time in the United States, this week’s events will be a whirlwind opportunity to show he is serious about strengthening ties with the United States.

“The most important thing [for this week] is for it to be an opportunity for the people of both countries to properly recognize the historical significance of the … alliance and its achievements,” Yoon said in an interview with The Washington Post at his presidential office in Seoul, much of which was focused on his personal life and upcoming trip.

The alliance was forged in the aftermath of World War II, when the United States backed South Korea as the Soviet Union threw its communist weight behind North Korea and China.

“It is indeed the most successful alliance in history and, above all, an alliance based on values,” Yoon said.

Although Washington might quibble with the characterization, the security pacts with Japan and South Korea have become increasingly important as China has made clear its intent to challenge the United States’ global primacy economically and militarily.

Biden has emphasized the role of alliances in countering geopolitical challenges from East Asia to Eastern Europe.

Yoon can expect to come under pressure this week to join other democracies in supplying artillery shells to Ukraine, which is running critically low on ammunition.

Seoul is sitting on a vast ammunition stockpile but has refused to send any to Ukraine out of concern about its relations with Moscow. Last week, Yoon told the Reuters news agency that “it might be difficult” for South Korea to “insist only on humanitarian or financial support” if the situation worsens.

“Of course, Ukraine is under an illegal invasion, so it is appropriate to provide a range of aid, but when it comes to how and what we will supply, we cannot but consider many direct and indirect relationships between our country and the warring countries,” Yoon told The Post.

Other frictions remain in U.S.-South Korea relations, such as the repercussions of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Chips Act for South Korean manufacturers, as well as a growing desire among South Koreans for their country to acquire its own nuclear weapons despite the U.S. security guarantee.

Yoon said he expects to discuss a range of issues facing the alliance in Washington this week and beyond.

Under new, conservative president, South Korea is poised to adopt a more hawkish foreign policy

Official Washington has long believed that conservative South Korean presidents, who tend to hew closer to the United States than liberals do, are easier to work with.

Indeed, Yoon has cleared several hurdles in the countries’ alliance in his first year in office. He has resumed joint military exercises with the United States to prepare for a potential North Korean attack, worked with the United States to decrease global supply-chain dependence on China and, most notably, made a politically risky move to make amends with Japan after years of hostilities.

But Yoon, a political novice who squeaked into office just over a year ago, remains something of an enigma even to longtime Korea watchers in Washington. He closely guarded his ideological leanings during his career as a prosecutor, including two as prosecutor general — one of the most powerful positions in South Korea.

Forging his own path

To understand his thinking, it’s worth a rewind to his early career. In Korean, there’s a saying: If you fall seven times, you rise eight times.

Yet, it took Yoon — who graduated from one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities — nine tries to pass the national bar exam. South Korea’s exam is notoriously difficult and was even more selective then, but nine years was still a long time.

That meant he didn’t start his career as prosecutor until the unusually late age of 33.

South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol unveils foreign policy goals

The son of an academic, he had a comfortable childhood. Some friends who were close to him then say Yoon marched to the beat of his own drum and on his own timeline to pursue what he believed was important.

“If he believed he was doing what was right, then he didn’t care much about how others viewed his actions, or how other people evaluated him,” said Lee Chul-kyu, an attorney and Yoon’s college friend. “Many of us from those days recall how decisive he was, rather than grappling with indecision.”

As prosecutor, Yoon continued in this vein.

Among the most dramatic moments of his prosecutorial career came in 2013, when he investigated alleged election interference by the National Intelligence Service to support Park Geun-hye, the conservative presidential candidate and eventual victor.

During a tense National Assembly hearing at the time, Yoon revealed that he faced political pressure because of his investigation.

“I am not loyal to any person,” he said, an assertion of indignance that cemented his national image as a steely prosecutor upholding the law, and that was only strengthened when he became the presidential candidate for the political bloc Park once led.

But the 2013 investigation came at a professional cost. He was transferred to second-tier cities, effectively demoted and sidelined.

“I thought that if these institutions intervened even a little in the election and damaged people’s trust, it had to be corrected,” he recalled. “That’s why I carried out the investigation. If I were in that position again, I would probably do my work in that same way.”

Biden visit tests new South Korean president, a foreign policy novice

Yoon’s uncompromising approach has been evident in his first year as president and has been met with mixed reviews.

Take his effort to improve relations with Japan. For nearly 80 years, the two countries have had a rocky relationship over unresolved historical disputes stemming from Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20th century.

He has poured political capital into resolving a controversial labor compensation dispute at the center of Seoul-Tokyo tensions — even though 60 percent of South Koreans disapprove of his proposal — and last month became the first South Korean leader to visit Japan in 12 years , to show he wants to restore ties.

During the nearly 90-minute interview, Yoon spoke at length about his decision on Japan, saying he had been transparent about his intentions during his campaign. South Korea’s security concerns were too urgent to delay cooperation with Tokyo, he said, adding that some critics would never be convinced.

“Europe has experienced several wars for the past 100 years and despite that, warring countries have found ways to cooperate for the future,” he said. “I can’t accept the notion that because of what happened 100 years ago, something is absolutely impossible [to do] and that they [Japanese] must kneel [for forgiveness] because of our history 100 years ago. And this is an issue that requires decision. … In terms of persuasion, I believe I did my best.”

South Korea to compensate victims of Japan’s wartime forced labor

But his most polarizing moves have centered on gender. Yoon has drawn criticism for his proposal to eliminate the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and advocates say a dedicated pro-women and family agency is necessary given South Korea’s poor record on gender equality and its hostility toward the LGBTQ community.

The patriarchal system, combined with rising income inequality and a housing crisis, means younger Koreans are increasingly postponing or eschewing marriage and children.

Yoon himself married for the first time at 51 — something that is highly unusual in South Korea. His wife, Kim Keon Hee, 50, is a business executive who founded an art exhibition company. Yoon has said he and Kim connected over his casual interest in art history and art galleries.

“My happiest memory is finally meeting my wife and marrying her at a late age, in my 50s,” he said.

They have no children, but they do have six dogs and five cats, mostly rescues. (Yoon shares this love of pets with Biden, who also has a rescue dog .)

In private, Yoon is surprisingly unfiltered, according to those who met with him in closed-door meetings. He can be unpolished in public settings, too — and last year, it led to a viral hot-mic moment when he insulted lawmakers while at a global health event in New York City. Biden, who calls himself a “gaffe-machine,” could probably empathize.

Yoon said he has long been fascinated by the U.S. constitutional system and its global impact, and he enjoyed American songs and television shows growing up. Now, as president, he has a gift from Biden that he keeps on his desk — a copy of Harry S. Truman’s plaque that reads: “The buck stops here!”

Min Joo Kim contributed to this report.

Official websites use .gov

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

South Korean President Yoon Visits Pentagon, Discusses Deterrence

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today in the Pentagon to discuss the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance and to discuss ways to make that alliance even closer.

The president is in Washington as part of his state visit. President Joe Biden hosted his South Korean ally for talks and a State Dinner at the White House. Yoon also delivered a speech to Congress.

At the beginning of his remarks at the Pentagon, Yoon thanked the U.S. service members who stand together with their Korean allies.

Austin has made many trips to visit his counterpart in Seoul and met with the president during his last visit to Korea in January. North Korea continues its dangerous and destabilizing missile testing program. "I want to underscore, Mr. President, what I said in January: that the U.S. commitment to the defense of the [Republic of Korea] is ironclad and so is our extended deterrence commitment to your country which includes the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including conventional, nuclear and missile defense capabilities," Austin said. 

Yoon told Austin through a translator that he has full confidence in the U.S. assurances about the extended deterrent capability. "If North Korea dares to use [its] nuclear arsenal, it will face decisive and overwhelming response by the Republic of Korea force and the allies including U.S. military capability," Yoon said. "Now is time that North Korea should realize that they will gain nothing from nuclear weapons, and I urge North Korea once again to make the right decision for denuclearization for a sustainable and genuine peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula."

Experience: Korean War Memorial

The U.S.-South Korea alliance dates to 1953. Austin noted that the country — once totally devastated by the Korean War — is now an economic and political powerhouse. "The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast friend for decades," he said. "We rely on you more and more each day, and we do so with immense gratitude. "Over the decades, we built one of the most robust, capable and interoperable alliances on Earth and we've deterred major conflict and aggression on the Korean peninsula." 

The alliance is a major factor in guaranteeing a free and open Indo-Pacific. "I am confident that we will move forward together," Austin said. "I look forward to charting an ambitious path to advance our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific."

Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific:  https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Focus-on-Indo-Pacific/

Subscribe to Defense.gov Products

Choose which Defense.gov products you want delivered to your inbox.

Related Stories

Defense.gov, helpful links.

• Live Events
• Today in DOD
• For the Media
• DOD Resources
• DOD Careers
• Help Center
• DOD / Military Websites
• Agency Financial Report
• Value of Service
• Taking Care of Our People
• FY 2025 Defense Budget
• National Defense Strategy

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

South Korea, US presidents to meet in Washington – amid wary glances in the direction of Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on April 26, 2023 – a rare state visit that comes as the two nations seek to confront common concerns.

The event is only the second state visit to the U.S. of a foreign head of state during the Biden administration, following a trip by President Emmanuel Macron of France in late 2022. That the White House handed the honor to Yoon, a relative political novice before taking office in May 2022 , may come as a surprise to some foreign policy observers. Seoul does not carry the same clout in international politics as some other U.S. allies. It is an important economic partner but so, too, are Japan, Germany, Canada and Mexico – all of whom rank above South Korea in terms of overall U.S. trade.

Why, then, the pomp and ceremony for Yoon? As a scholar of Korean political history and U.S.-East Asia relations, I believe the answer can be found in three locations on the map and their respective governments: Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow. The White House meeting might well frame the event around the strengthening of ties between Seoul and Washington, but in reality they will want to send a message of unity in the face of saber-rattling – and worse – by North Korea, China and Russia.

A friendship forged in war

Washington and Seoul’s relationship was forged in the bloody crucible of the Korean War of 1950-53 . For several decades, the alliance was lopsided, especially in the lean two decades following the armistice of 1953 when the South Korean subsistence economy was almost totally dependent on U.S. aid . But over the past two decades, South Korea has evened up the ledger, becoming a world leader in electronics , shipping, vehicles, arms and pop culture . The U.S-South Korea alliance has developed into one based as much on economic interests as diplomatic and strategic concerns.

Even the awkward issue of recent reports of alleged U.S. spying on the South Korean presidential office is not likely to dampen the show of friendliness expected on display during the bilateral meeting.

After all, Biden and Yoon have more serious matters to contend with. The state visit follows a year in which North Korea fired nearly 100 missiles into the skies in and around the Korean Peninsula, Russia brazenly invaded Ukraine , and China upped its rhetoric around the disputed island of Taiwan. And each will need addressing in the summit.

North Korean missiles

To South Korea, the threat of the isolationist state to its north is the most existential. Biden will likely underscore the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea against a nuclear-armed North Korea.

But the threat is not confined to imperiling the Korean Peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s intercontinental ballistic missiles now have the capability to hit the U.S. mainland. Such a development may be intended to draw Washington’s attention , but it has another consequence: aligning the existential threat that South Korea faces with that of the United States.

Growing apprehension in South Korea – where more than 70% now favor a domestic nuclear weapons program rather than rely on its powerful ally – means that Yoon will seek U.S. reassurances that go beyond the rhetoric of “ extended deterrence ” and promises of an “ironclad” alliance .

North Korean leader Kim, having told the world last week that he is gearing up to launch a spy satellite into space, has also used the opportunity of Yoon’s U.S. visit to step up the country’s ballistic missiles tests – a reminder to his two main adversaries that he can always make life for them difficult.

China’s regional push

That China and Russia continue to block any move at the U.N. Security Council to punish North Korea over its tests only emboldens Pyongyang.

But the threat posed by North Korea is not the only East Asian security concern for the U.S. or South Korea. The rise of China as an Indo-Pacific force – and a rival to Washington’s and Seoul’s economic and strategic interests – is another likely topic to come up in the White House meeting.

Indeed, Yoon may have foreshadowed U.S. and South Korean thinking on China with comments made to the Reuters news agency just days ago.

“The Taiwan issue is not simply an issue between China and Taiwan, but like the issue of North Korea, it is a global issue,” he said. Yoon may just have been echoing what Biden and he declared at the pair’s first summit in Seoul in May 2022 over the importance of preserving “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as an essential element in security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.” But the remark raised the ire of officials in Beijing to howls of protest . And the fact that a South Korean leader should join the U.S. as it ups the rhetoric over Taiwan will likely be welcomed by Washington and, of course, Taipei.

It also comes on the back of efforts by Yoon to make amends with Japan – an erstwhile “friend of a friend” in regards to the U.S., but one with which Seoul has long-festering wounds going back to the Japanese occupation of Korea .

In March, Yoon visited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida – the first official bilateral meeting between the two countries’ leaders in 12 years.

Friendlier terms between Tokyo and Seoul – both democracies – serve Washington’s plans to counter the influence of autocracies in the region, forming a quasi-trilateral alliance structure.

Biden will be hoping to isolate China further through economic means. Yoon will visit Boston during his trip, underscoring the importance of collaboration in the biotech and high-tech industries. It comes as South Korea’s leading microchip producers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, face pressure from the U.S. to curtail their semiconductor business in China. Yoon will be seeking to promote U.S.-Korean joint investment in the semiconductor sector to compensate for the impact from reducing sales to China’s market.

Ukraine’s need for weapons

And then there is the war in Ukraine, which tends to loom over diplomatic matters since Russia’s invasion.

In the past, South Korea has remained largely parochial on security issues, understandably, given the threat it faces on the peninsula. For example, no previous administration has even floated the notion of military support for the U.S. in the event of war in the Taiwan Strait.

Similarly, Seoul has provided only economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, although it is the world’s eighth-biggest exporter of arms. But Yoon’s vision for his nation is that of a “ global pivotal state ” that places freedom, values and international rules-based order at the heart of its foreign policy – and that opens up the possibility of further intervention.

If Biden is able to coax his guest to commit to supply, discreetly, more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, it will prove a win for both Yoon’s vision as well as that of Biden.

State visits are by their nature ceremonial – and 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the United States-Republic of Korea alliance. But as strategic and economic concerns converge, the future relationship between the countries is being redefined by how the two allies confront simultaneously geopolitical concerns on South Korea’s doorstep, the wider region and the world beyond.

This article is republished from The Conversation , an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter .

It was written by: Sung-Yoon Lee , Tufts University .

It’s time to take Kim Jong Un and his nuclear threats seriously

The US is about to blow up a fake warship in the South China Sea – but naval rivalry with Beijing is very real and growing

Sung-Yoon Lee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Recommended Stories

The 49ers' wild play to end their preseason against the raiders has to be seen to be believed.

There were only three seconds left in Friday night's preseason finale between San Francisco and Las Vegas, but the 49ers weren't ready to go home just yet.

Little League World Series: Florida wins extra-innings championship thriller over Taiwan on chaotic walk-off bunt

The championship is the first for a team from Florida in nine trips to the LLWS final.

Zion Williamson's apparent weight loss draws attention on social media

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson appears to have lost notable weight during the offseason, based on photos taken at his basketball camp in South Carolina.

Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong zooms around bases in 14 seconds for inside-the-park home run

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete-Crow Armstrong showed serious speed in running out an inside-the-park home run

Danny Jansen will make MLB history by playing for both Red Sox and Blue Jays on Monday

Boston Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen will become the first MLB player to play for both teams in the same game when a postponed game from June 26 is resumed on Monday.

Apple reportedly announcing iPhone 16 lineup and more on Sept. 10

Apple will be unveiling new products on September 10, with the announced phones going on sale on September 20, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The phones should also support Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI features announced earlier this year. The event could also include announcements of the Apple Watch Series 10, which will be thinner than past models, with a larger screen, as well as new AirPods, with noise cancellation coming to more models.

Bust alert! 13 players to avoid early in your drafts | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

It's officially 'Convictions Week' on the pod as we provide our most definitive takes of draft season. Matt Harmon is joined by Yahoo Fantasy's resident hater Dan Titus to identify potential busts in each round of your draft. While both make it clear they don't think the guys they pick will have awful seasons, they do offer reasons why each of their picks won't meet the expectations of their current ADP. The two also end the show by answering your questions in the fantasy mailbag.

Kerr out at Team USA, Zion slims down & our favorite under-the-radar offseason moves | No Cap Room

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk their way through the late August NBA news cycle and list off their favorite under-the-radar moves from this NBA offseason.

Mock Draft Monday: Risers and fallers at QB, RB, WR and TE this month | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

In the final installment of 'Mock Draft Monday' Yahoo's Dan Titus and Tera Roberts dissect the trends they've noticed in drafts throughout the month of August to get you ready for your most important drafts this week. Titus and Roberts go through the biggest risers and fallers at the QB, RB, WR, and TE position. The two also end the show by answering your mailbag questions.

Shohei Ohtani is 'fine' after X-rays following hit-by-pitch reveal no structural damage

"It's really scary," manager Dave Roberts said. "You always hold your breath."

Falcons saw enough of Michael Penix Jr. last week that he won't play again this preseason

Michael Penix Jr. is done for the preseason, Raheem Morris said.

What credit card users need to know if the Fed cuts rates in September

The Fed may soon cut interest rates. Here’s why you should take control of your credit card debt now.

These cars have the shortest driving range after a low fuel warning

MarketWatch's recent research showed that while some vehicles offer a decent amount of driving range with a low fuel light on, others could leave you stranded.

Caitlin Clark's Next WNBA Game: How to watch the Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx game tonight

Watch Caitlin Clark's next WNBA game when the Indiana Fever play the Minnesota Lynx tonight.

Mike Tyson shows no interest in taking Jake Paul's bait during news conference for Nov. 15 fight

Mike Tyson had little interest in trash-talking or insulting Jake Paul during the press conference for their Nov. 15 fight on Netflix.

NFL rookies Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers received 'multiple education training sessions' after calling off $10K bet

The former LSU teammates had to quickly call off a bet over which one would win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

More middle-aged adults have been dying from strokes. Experts cite 3 factors that might be to blame.

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more American adults between the ages of 45 and 64 have been dying from strokes.

US crackdown on advanced chips gives China an opening on old technology

The US has focused on building domestic supply chains for advanced semiconductors. Now, China is rapidly expanding its own manufacturing capacity for less advanced but more widely used chips.

Researchers discover potentially catastrophic exploit present in AMD chips for decades

Researchers discovered a potentially catastrophic vulnerability in AMD chips that has been there for decades. It’s called a ‘Sinkclose’ flaw.

Overrated/Underrated/Properly Rated: USC, Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss & Georgia | College Football Power Hour

Jason Fitz & Caroline Fenton just need to get some takes off in advance of the premiere of College Football Power Hour, which drops its first full episode on Tuesday, August 27th. With just days to go before Week 0 kicks off, the pair play a game of Overrated/Underrated/Properly Rated.

'Embarrassing wrench': How Pentagon leak complicates South Korean president's state visit with Biden

WASHINGTON — A classified document leak that included evidence the U.S. has been spying on allies is complicating a high-profile visit by South Korea's president to Washington this week to meet with President Joe Biden.

The state visit honoring South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was in the works well before Pentagon documents surfaced suggesting the U.S. had been surveilling the longstanding ally. Yoon's visit has taken on new importance, however, as the Biden administration seeks to reassure its military partners America is not sloppy with its secrets.

Yoon is set to deliver a joint address to Congress while he is in Washington, in addition to meetings with Biden that will precede a formal state dinner.

"He has to come back with some deliverables, I think, from the United States," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Mike McCaul. "The little-kept secret is we do surveil our allies, and sometimes they surveil us, but it's just not made public."

Yoon appeared to downplay the kerfuffle, calling the U.S.-Korea alliance resilient . He also suggested for the first time that Seoul could arm Ukraine under certain conditions, the subject of the leaked documents.

“I think it's certainly an unfortunate and an embarrassing wrench to throw into the situation immediately prior to a major summit,” Frank Aum, senior expert on Northeast Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said of the leak. “But I think both sides want to move on and put this issue behind them as quickly as possible.”

Pentagon document leak: Here are the biggest takeaways after U.S. military secrets leaked

Leak suspect: Jack Teixeira, 21, appears in court over Pentagon leak. What charges is he facing?

U.S. caught spying on South Korea

Leaked intelligence indicates top advisers to Yoon were concerned ammunition South Korea agreed to sell the U.S. to refill its stockpiles would wind up in Ukraine. They also worried the state dinner, which was announced on March 7, would be perceived as a trade for lethal aid.

South Korea does not send lethal weapons to countries at war, but the trove of documents — which U.S. officials have neither verified nor disavowed — suggested that Yoon's government was considering a policy shift.

Opposition lawmakers in South Korea publicly chided the U.S. for the breach in trust. And the advisers to Yoon whom the intelligence identified as taking part in the discussion about lethal weapons recently stepped down.

But Yoon told Reuters last week it would be difficult for South Korea to stay on the sidelines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “if there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war."

Biden's coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, John Kirby, told reporters last week that the U.S. had reached out to allies affected by the leak. Without detailing who was contacted or how they responded, Kirby said broadly that allies are being reassured about the U.S. commitment to safeguarding intelligence and to its security partnerships.

“They have appreciated the seriousness with which we're taking this issue,” Kirby said. “Thus far, this regrettable exposure of classified material has not resulted in a breach of trust or confidence between us and our partners, or in our shared efforts to advance shared goals around the world.”

Leak not likely to be publicly discussed

Before leaving for the U.S., Yoon was quoted by South Korean media as telling his cabinet that the two nations have a “resilient value-based alliance that can fully readjust even when their interests are in conflict or when there is trouble.”

Based on that statement, Ellen Kim, an expert on U.S.-Korea relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Yoon probably won’t raise the issue publicly when he meets with Biden.

“I expect that this issue will not be highlighted, even though the two leaders could discuss privately,” she said.

Opposition lawmakers in South Korea have expressed outrage over the leak, though, and said that U.S. surveillance of the nation would undermine the relationship.

Thomas Cynkin, a former U.S. diplomat who advised two U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations on Asian affairs, said South Korean lawmakers decrying the spying are "crying crocodile tears," given that their nation also wields a powerful spying agency.

"That isn't to say that some people wouldn't genuinely be offended, because in principle, they feel we're an ally," Cynkin said. "But they know how this game works."

Threats from North Korea, China top concerns

Cynkin said that much of the visit will be about demonstrating to Korean leadership that they are valued partners of the United States.

The summit, only the second time Biden has rolled out the full trappings of a state visit, comes as the nations are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their alliance. 

"That's a big deal and shows that we're paying them a lot of attention," Cynkin said. "The first thing is getting recognition of the importance of the relationship it symbolizes."

Experts expect the two leaders to highlight efforts to deter North Korea’s aggression and announce cooperation on securing supply chains.

Yoon could walk away with an agreement on how U.S. restrictions on technology exports to China will affect South Korean companies that make semiconductors in China. Those companies are being prevented by China from relocating their plants. But the U.S. could restrict their ability to get spare parts or become too technologically sophisticated.

“This is sort of a major issue in the U.S.-China relationship,” said Gregory Allen, a technologies expert at CSIS, “and, obviously, it’s now having major reverberations in the U.S.-South Korea relationship.”

South Korea would also like greater reassurance that the U.S. can keep in check an increasingly bellicose North Korea. That could include ramped up military exercises, more strategic asset deployments to the Korean peninsula, or greater consultations on military planning, said Aum of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

But there’s one problem. “It’s not clear,” Aum said, “that those measures actually deter North Korean provocations.”

Contributing: Michael Collins.

Francesca Chambers is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. Follow her on Twitter @fran_chambers.

Maureen Groppe is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. Follow her on Twitter @mgroppe.

• Personal Finance
• Today's Paper
• Partner Content
• Web Stories
• Entertainment
• Social Viral

N Korea shows new drone attack as Seoul, US hold military exercises

The allies said the ulchi freedom shield drills, which continue through thursday, are focused on enhancing their readiness against north korean threats.

He called for accelerated development and production of various drones that explode on impact, conduct reconnaissance or attack targets underwater, KCNA said Photo: Bloomberg

More From This Section

Protesters against overhaul plan urge Mexican prez to 'respect democracy'

US elections: Will keep Musk in cabinet if elected as president, says Trump

China to raise Taiwan, tariffs issue during US NSA Jake Sullivan's visit

'Debris from drone attacks by Ukraine damages homes in Russia's Saratov'

China central bank rolls over maturing medium-term loans, injects cash

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

US, S Korea begin military drills, N Korea says invasion rehearsal

North Korea has flown more trash balloons towards South Korea: Seoul

Flood victims to be brought to Pyongyang for temporary care: Kim Jong

Nuclear weapons would fracture US ties: South Korean defence chief

King Jong Un marks delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Aug 26 2024 | 10:43 AM IST

Explore News

• Suzlon Energy Share Price Adani Enterprises Share Price Adani Power Share Price IRFC Share Price Tata Motors Share Price Tata Steel Share Price Yes Bank Share Price Infosys Share Price SBI Share Price Tata Power Share Price
• Latest News Company News Market News India News Politics News Cricket News Personal Finance Technology News World News Industry News Education News Opinion Shows Economy News Lifestyle News Health News
• Today's Paper About Us T&C Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Disclaimer Investor Communication GST registration number List Compliance Contact Us Advertise with Us Sitemap Subscribe Careers BS Apps
• ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Budget 2024 Olympics 2024 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

US and South Korea to meet on American troop costs this week

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Jamie Freed

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Dutch privacy watchdog fines Uber for sending drivers' data to U.S.

The Netherland's DPA data protection watchdog said on Monday it imposed a fine of 290 million euros ($324 million) on ride-hailing platform Uber for sending personal data of European taxi drivers to the United States in violation of EU rules.

North Korea shows new drone attacking a target as Seoul and US hold large military exercises

Us and south korea begin military drills aimed at strengthening their defense against north korea, north korea set to reopen its borders again in december, north korea to partially reopen doors to tourism for 1st time since covid-19 pandemic, south korea and us will start summer military drills next week to counter north korean threats, seoul says north korea has flown more trash balloons toward south korea, north korean leader trains daughter to become successor, says intelligence service, doj indicts north korean hacker for extorting hospitals, health care providers, north korea tests 2 missiles, 1 reportedly may have fallen on land, us aircraft carrier arrives in south korea as putin threatens to arm north korea, putin deepens ties with vietnam amid russian isolation over ukraine, russia and north korea strike alliance, putin makes rare visit to north korea to meet with kim jong un, russian president vladimir putin arrives in north korea for state visit, russian president vladamir putin visits north korea, putin makes rare visit to north korea, north korea vows to stop floating trash-carrying balloons into south korea, north korea sends balloons full of manure and trash over the border to south korea, 3 north koreans infiltrated us companies in alleged telework fraud: doj, 3 north koreans infiltrated us companies in 'staggering' alleged telework fraud: doj, noem backpedals on anecdote in book about meeting with kim jong un, north korea tests submarine-launched cruise missile: state media, north korea tests submarine-launched cruise missile, state media says, north korea says it tested a cruise missile, north korea tests new type of cruise missile, state media says, north korea conducts test of underwater nuclear weapon system: kcna, north korea tests ballistic missile, japan and south korea say, kim jong un's daughter tags along to missile launch site again, north korea tests long-range ballistic missile capable of reaching us: japan, north korea redeploys troops to surveillance posts along dmz, south korea says, north korea redeploys troops to surveillance posts along dmz, travis king’s mother speaks out, travis king, solider who crossed border into north korea, charged with desertion, soldier facing charges after running into north korea, russian foreign minister thanks north korea for 'unwavering' support in ukraine war, cybercriminals targeting us on behalf of north korea: report, travis king back in us after n. korea expelled him, travis king back on us soil after crossing into north korea, american soldier who ran across north korea’s border back in us custody, american soldier back in us custody, north korea says kim jong un has invited putin to his country, putin, kim jong un meet in person over 'fight against imperialism', kim jong un meets with putin in russia, north korea launches possible ballistic missile: japan's ministry of defense, putin and kim's increasingly cozy alliance could pose risk to the west: analysis, kim jong un arrives in russia ahead of meeting with vladimir putin, north korea and russia may both benefit by striking trade deal: analysis, gen. milley talks russia and north korea ahead of kim jong un’s visit with putin.