South Korea's President Faces Tariff Negotiations and North Korea Tensions

Seoul, Jul 3 (AP) – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed uncertainty over the likelihood of concluding tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington by the deadline set by President Donald Trump for next week. In a statement on Thursday, Lee emphasized that both nations are actively working to clarify their positions and seek areas of agreement.

In his inaugural news conference since assuming office last month, President Lee reiterated his commitment to improving the strained relations with North Korea, though he acknowledged the deep-seated distrust between the Koreas that won't easily be mended.

Trump's tariff hikes and his “America First” policies pose significant challenges to Lee's nascent administration, alongside North Korea's progressing nuclear ambitions and domestic economic challenges. Lee, a liberal, assumed the presidency following a snap election after conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed due to his failed imposition of martial law in December.

Lee Describes Tariff Talks with the U.S. as Challenging – Lee stated that the tariff negotiations with the U.S. have been "clearly not easy," emphasizing the importance of achieving outcomes that are mutually beneficial.

“It's difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best,” Lee said. “What we need is a truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides and works for everyone, but so far, both sides are still trying to define exactly what they want.”

Trump's 90-day pause in global reciprocal tariffs is set to expire on July 9, which could expose South Korean products to 25 percent tax rates. Washington seeks to impose higher duties on key South Korean exports, such as automobiles and semiconductors. There are also concerns that Trump might demand South Korea to pay more for the 28,000 US troops stationed in the country.

Lee has called for patience in the tariff negotiations, arguing that rushing into a deal would not be in the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, is reportedly planning to visit Washington for potential discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Lee Strives to Revive Talks with North Korea – On the North Korean front, President Lee aims to restore long-stalled discussions with Pyongyang, especially amid concerns over its military cooperation with Russia.

“I think we should improve relations with North Korea based on reliable coordination and consultation between South Korea and the US,” Lee said. “But I expect that won't be easy as mutual antagonism and distrust are too serious.”

Previously criticized for favoring North Korea and China over the US and Japan, Lee promised during his campaign to follow a pragmatic diplomacy approach. He intends to strengthen US alliances while also attempting to repair ties with North Korea, China, and Russia. Some critics argue it's challenging to satisfy all these parties.

Lee mentioned proposing resumed regular summits with Japan. His government has halted anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts from the frontlines and taken steps to prevent activists from sending propaganda leaflets to the north via balloons.

Trump has expressed a willingness to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Lee has shown support for Trump's initiatives.

Although North Korea hasn't officially responded to Trump's and Lee's conciliatory efforts, officials noted that North Korean propaganda broadcasts are no longer heard in South Korean border towns.

North Korea has refused to engage in talks with the US and South Korea since the collapse of Trump-Kim negotiations in 2019 and is now working to strengthen relations with Russia by supplying troops and arms for Russia's Ukraine conflict in exchange for economic and military aid.

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