Two Unanimously Passed Resolutions in the US House Strengthening the Hanmi Alliance

Possibility of Easing Pressure on Defense Cost-Sharing and USFK Withdrawal
"USFK Presence Aligns with US National Interests"
"Defense Costs Should Be Agreed Upon at a Mutually Reasonable Level Over Multiple Years"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 18th (local time), the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two resolutions aimed at further strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance. As the U.S. Congress adopted these bipartisan resolutions ahead of the Biden administration's inauguration, pressure regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea or defense cost-sharing negotiations is expected to ease.

According to the U.S. Congress, the House held a plenary session that afternoon and passed two South Korea-U.S. alliance resolutions introduced respectively by Representatives Tom Suozzi, Ami Bera, and Ted Yoho through voice votes. The resolution by Representative Suozzi included content recognizing the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the contributions of Korean American citizens, while Representatives Bera and Yoho’s resolution stated that at this 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, the alliance has formed a mutually beneficial global partnership.

In the resolutions, they urged that the United States further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation with South Korea. They also clearly stated that South Korea is a linchpin in U.S. foreign policy in Northeast Asia. In particular, they emphasized that maintaining the stationing of U.S. troops in South Korea aligns with U.S. national interests, suggesting that there is no concern about troop withdrawal at the congressional level.

Regarding defense cost-sharing negotiations, which were a source of conflict between the two countries under the Donald Trump administration, the resolutions stated that "a multi-year agreement containing mutually acceptable terms should be concluded," thereby supporting South Korea’s position. In addition, the resolutions included content that the South Korea-U.S. alliance plays an important role in ensuring peace and stability in Asia and the world, providing security against threats and repeated provocations posed by North Korea. They also evaluated infrastructure and development financing in the Indo-Pacific region.