South Korea prioritizes negotiation over confrontation with US tariffs
South Korea does not intend to engage in open confrontation with the USA regarding the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Seoul is focusing on negotiations and reaching an agreement with Washington, stated Han Duck-soo, the acting president of the country, in an exclusive interview with CNN.
Han emphasised that South Korea "clearly would like to negotiate" with the United States concerning the controversial tariffs. The politician expressed confidence that both countries could reach an agreement before factories are shut down in the Asian nation.
In South Korea's case, the rate of tariffs referred to by Trump as "reciprocal" came into effect on Wednesday and is 25 per cent.
Han, an experienced politician and economist, has been serving as the acting head of state since December of last year, following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
When asked by CNN whether South Korea is considering cooperation with other countries, such as Japan or China, to counter the American tariffs, Han replied that the government in Seoul "will not take that route." "I don’t think that kind of fighting back will improve the situation dramatically," he emphasised.
"I think we should, in a very cool way, assess what this kind of 25% means for us, and we should, in a very cool way, negotiate with them," said Han.
As noted by CNN, this stance contrasts with recent reactions from the PRC, which is subject to tariffs totalling 104 per cent. Beijing strongly condemned Washington's recent decisions, calling them a "mistake upon a mistake" and promising to "fight to the end."
In retaliation, China imposed tariffs of 10-15 per cent on American imports, including agricultural equipment, coal, and oil, in February, 10-15 per cent on agri-food products in March, and then an additional 34 per cent rate on all products in April.
Just a few hours after the CNN interview, Han conducted a phone conversation with Trump, which the American president described as a "great call."
In a social media statement, Trump conveyed that both leaders discussed many issues, including the "tremendous and unsustainable" trade surplus of South Korea with the USA, the purchase of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), and bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding.
Han's office informed that during the 28-minute conversation, the politician expressed hope for further development and strengthening of the alliance between Seoul and Washington during Trump's tenure, emphasising that military cooperation is the "foundation" of South Korea's diplomacy and security.
