"Approval for Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction, a Major Contribution to Security"
Opposition Warns, "Don't Celebrate Prematurely"
Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu, commented at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju that President Lee Jaemyung had "held his own" in terms of diplomatic achievements. He noted that results were achieved despite U.S. President Donald Trump's reversal on tariffs and ongoing sanctions.
On the 30th, through his communication channel "Youth's Dream," Hong responded to a supporter who remarked, "The Lee Jaemyung administration is using the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiation settlement as a media play, claiming it is a huge gift to the people." Hong replied, "Given Trump's tariff bullying, they managed to hold their ground." He assessed that President Lee and his administration had led the negotiations well under difficult circumstances.
He further added, "In particular, obtaining approval from Trump for the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine is seen as a significant contribution to our national security."
On the other hand, the opposition party criticized the administration, saying, "It's another premature celebration," and demanded that the text of the agreement be released. They pointed out that there are still discrepancies in the statements from both countries, and recalled that in August, the government had claimed the negotiations were so successful that a formal agreement was unnecessary, only for it to be revealed as a failed negotiation.
Kim Doup, Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated at a National Assembly audit strategy meeting on the 31st, "The Lee Jaemyung administration is once again celebrating and praising itself over the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations." He pointed out, "The announcement of the negotiation lacks key details such as the selection criteria for investment projects, the structure for recovering investments, and the method of profit distribution. In particular, the specific timing for lowering auto tariffs and whether retroactive application will be allowed have not been decided, and there is still uncertainty regarding tariffs on semiconductor items."
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