Top US envoy cites 'turbulence' in S. Korea-US alliance amid rift in security, trade priorities
The top U.S. envoy to South Korea on Wednesday described bilateral relations between Seoul and Washington as being in a state of "turbulence," stressing efforts to move the alliance forward into a stronger and more equal partnership. U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel's remarks come amid apparent friction in the security and trade ties, from implementing their summit agreement from last October and…
U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel has described the relationship between South Korea and the United States as experiencing turbulence, highlighting efforts to strengthen and equalize the partnership. The ambassador's remarks come as there are apparent tensions in both security and trade ties, ranging from implementing their summit agreement from last October to intelligence sharing on North Korea, as well as Seoul's desire to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington.
Steel emphasized during a dialogue session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea that an alliance is not static and can weaken, but the two countries are working towards becoming stronger. The alliance between Seoul and Washington has resulted in a series of economic and security commitments, including cooperation in nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and South Korean investment in the U.S.
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