Seoul: Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun has committed to an active and collaborative approach in addressing the Trump administration's demands for higher tariffs and the modernization of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. During a confirmation hearing before the National Assembly, Cho emphasized the need for mutually beneficial consultations with the U.S. government.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho expressed his intent to resume dialogue with North Korea while maintaining efforts toward denuclearization. Highlighting the urgency of tariff negotiations, Cho stated his readiness to engage with Washington to secure exemptions or relief from the impending 25 percent tariffs slated to take effect on August 1.
Cho elaborated on the Trump administration's "modernizing the alliance" initiative, which calls for increased defense spending by allies. He stressed the importance of strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance through close communication with Washington.
Acknowledging the unconventional nature of Trump's tariff negotiations, Cho described the situation as an "undeniable truth" that demands close talks. He did not dismiss the possibility of reaching a tariff agreement with the U.S. in the near future and pledged to visit the U.S. for discussions if confirmed as foreign minister.
In alignment with the Lee Jae Myung government's policies, Cho aims to reopen dialogue with North Korea in coordination with the United States, pursuing both denuclearization and regional peace through a phased approach.
Cho addressed questions regarding North Korea, describing it as an "urgent and existential threat" while also recognizing the need to engage in dialogue to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He suggested that a temporary suspension of joint military drills with the U.S. could be on the table if both nations find common ground. Additionally, Cho vowed to enhance trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan and encourage constructive roles from China and Russia.
Cho also intends to strengthen ties with China and Japan, aiming for a trilateral summit this year, and plans to address unresolved wartime history issues with Japan. He assured firm responses to sovereign matters, such as disputes over Chinese structures in the Yellow Sea, while fostering more mature bilateral relations.
In response to the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, Cho committed to collaborating with the international community to safeguard peace on the Korean Peninsula.