Ambassador Steel: "South Korea, Once an Aid Recipient, Is Now a Global Leader... It Must Lead the Indo-Pacific with the U.S."

Ambassador Steel and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Brunson Hold Discussion
Discuss Digital Regulation Improvements and Energy Cooperation
"China a Major Threat in the Indo-Pacific"

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Park Steel argued that the U.S.-South Korea alliance should evolve from a relationship focused solely on protection into a comprehensive alliance that jointly leads the Indo-Pacific region. She identified China as the region's greatest threat while reaffirming the U.S. government's goal of denuclearizing North Korea.

At a special luncheon discussion hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on October 21, Ambassador Steel said, "South Korea is no longer a country that only receives protection from the United States. It is time for South Korea to lead the Indo-Pacific region together with the United States." She said that South Korea, which received U.S. support after the Korean War and went on to achieve rapid economic growth, should now play a leading role in the region.

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel (center) speaks at a luncheon roundtable hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 21st. From left: James Kim, AMCHAM chairman; Michelle Steel, U.S. ambassador to South Korea; and Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea. American Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Ambassador Steel identified China as the greatest threat in the Indo-Pacific region. "China is seeking to assert its territorial claims in waters rich in oil and natural gas, through which 24% of global cargo traffic passes, and to exert influence over neighboring countries," she said. "This is precisely why the United States and South Korea must stand firmly together."

On North Korea, Ambassador Steel said, "The door remains open to dialogue without preconditions, but the goal of denuclearizing North Korea is firm." She also pointed to North Korea's recent launches of numerous missiles and its accumulation of combat experience, including through its deployment of troops to Russia. She added, "Even if talks between the United States and North Korea take place, South Korea, as a party to the Korean Peninsula issue, must be involved," and said, "The United States will serve as a bridge to help resume dialogue between the two Koreas."

In response, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson suggested changes to the way exercises related to the combined defense posture are conducted. "Whatever diplomatic or political dialogue takes place, it must be underpinned by strong military readiness that enables the armed forces to carry out orders immediately," he said.

Commander Brunson said, "We cannot rely on readiness built around just one or two large-scale exercises a year, such as Freedom Shield. It is a commander's responsibility to maintain readiness to fight and win at any time through continuous training throughout the year."

(From left) U.S. Forces Korea Commander Brunson Xavier, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Steel Michelle, and AMCHAM Chairman Kim James pose for a commemorative photo ahead of a luncheon meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 21st. American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM)

On economic and trade issues, calls were made for South Korea to improve its digital regulations. Ambassador Steel said, "It is true that business barriers in South Korea have been quite high for U.S. companies, particularly in the digital sector, including tax investigations, audits, and the imposition of surcharges." She noted, however, that the situation was improving through the joint explanatory document agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries, and said, "It is paramount that U.S. companies receive fair treatment without discrimination against Korean companies."

On energy security, she added, "Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing ultimately depend on vast amounts of energy. Since energy security is national security, we will work closely with the South Korean government on areas such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Texas."

AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said, "The U.S.-South Korea alliance is stronger than ever, and the scope and importance of our cooperation continue to grow." He added, "The leadership of Ambassador Steel and Commander Brunson is essential to opening a new chapter in the U.S.-South Korea partnership."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.