Announcement of Trade and Diplomatic Policy Vision
Han: "We Will Respond Strategically to Tariff Pressure"
Han Donghoon, former leader and preliminary candidate for the People Power Party presidential election, announced on April 24, 2025, that he would establish an "Economic NATO (New Alliance for Trade and Opportunity)" to jointly respond to national-level economic coercion.
On this day, Han unveiled the third installment of his policy vision, "Solid Alliances, a Growing Republic of Korea," pledging to create this economic alliance. He stated, "We will build a joint response system with like-minded countries, not only to confront economic coercion but also to generate synergy in trade cooperation." The announcement was made on behalf of Han, who was attending a one-on-one debate, by campaign co-chair Park Kyungtae and others.
This diplomatic strategy aims to build deterrence through economic means in response to international trade shifts, such as the US-China trade war and the tariff war declared by US President Donald Trump. Han emphasized, "We are now facing a wave of strong protectionism under a potential Trump second term. However, we have our own cards to play. We can overcome this."
Han's plan is to avoid being trapped in the global trade conflict structure, such as the US-China rivalry, and instead, to cooperate with Asia-Pacific countries like Japan, Australia, and India to maintain stable production supply chains and lower trade barriers in support of free trade. He also explained that he would expand trade opportunities and become a partner country in new markets such as Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
To counter the high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Han proposed using key export items such as shipbuilding, defense, semiconductors, and electric vehicles as leverage in strategic negotiations, while also protecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) directly impacted by high tariffs. Han reiterated, "We will not be trapped in global trade conflicts like the US-China rivalry and will continue our efforts for free trade. With the United States, we will achieve tariff reductions through negotiations. As economic partners, we will build mutual trust and further strengthen our economic alliance."
To support SMEs, Han pledged to provide export support linked to K-content, expand export infrastructure, and offer customized export financing. To improve the survival rate of small export companies, he also promised to specialize the export finance support system, integrate and dedicate functions such as loans, guarantees, and investments, and strengthen the export risk management system.
Han also pledged to strengthen policy support, such as tax benefits and financial incentives, to create a virtuous cycle in which capital earned overseas is reinvested domestically. He stated, "We will create an environment where companies see domestic investment not as a 'choice' but as an 'opportunity.' The government will act boldly so that our capital becomes the foundation for Korea's future revival."
Separately from trade policy, Han also pledged to strengthen the South Korea-US alliance through cooperation in security, economy, and science and technology. He said, "The South Korea-US alliance is the foundation of our diplomacy. For over 70 years, the alliance has developed by pursuing shared interests and mutually beneficial cooperation. Even under a second Trump administration, I will ensure that the South Korea-US relationship continues smoothly on a virtuous cycle."
Regarding North Korea policy, Han introduced his aim to lead the era of denuclearization with the goal of North Korea's denuclearization. He stated, "The People Power Party has restored trust between South Korea and the United States. If I am elected, there will be no need to worry about a 'Korea passing' as happened under the Democratic Party government. US-North Korea negotiations will proceed with our support and consent."
Han also outlined plans to enhance strategic and friendly relations with neighboring countries in Northeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Russia. Regarding Japan, he highlighted the shared values of democracy and market economy, proposing a future-oriented relationship. For China, as Korea's largest trading partner, Han emphasized pursuing mutual respect and mutual benefit, while also stating he would respond firmly to any actions infringing on Korea's territory, history, or identity. Regarding Russia, he stated he would pursue a strategic relationship that moves beyond its ties with North Korea, seeking peace and cooperation with Korea on projects such as developing Arctic sea routes.
Han also mentioned the importance of securing nuclear potential. He stated, "We will ensure that there are no obstacles to our peaceful nuclear activities, including enrichment and reprocessing. Through this, we will expand nuclear power exports and establish leadership in nuclear diplomacy, making Korea a global nuclear powerhouse."
On the afternoon of the 24th, at the Dong-A Media Center Channel A Open Studio in Jongno, Han Donghoon, a candidate who advanced to the second round of the People Power Party presidential primary, was rehearsing before the debate. The one-on-one face-off debates will be held until tomorrow in a format where the four candidates who advanced to the second round debate each other one-on-one. The matchups were decided at the 'Media Day' event the previous day, where candidates Kim Moonsoo, Ahn Cheolsoo, Han Donghoon, and Hong Junpyo each selected their one-on-one debate opponents in order. Candidate Kim chose Han, and Candidate Ahn chose Kim, making the debates possible. Candidates Han and Hong selected each other. April 24, 2025 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
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