SEOUL — National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin asserted on Saturday that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains robust and would continue to strengthen, even if former President Donald Trump were to be reelected. During his interview on Yonhap News TV, Chang highlighted strong bipartisan support for the alliance in the United States, including reassurances from Trump's camp.
According to Yonhap News Agency, representatives from the Trump camp have conveyed that there is no cause for concern regarding the future of the South Korea-U.S. alliance under Trump's potential leadership. They have further indicated intentions to fortify the alliance. The adviser also mentioned that the South Korean government is proactively planning for various scenarios that could emerge with Trump’s potential return to the presidency.
Chang also addressed the complexities in South Korea's relations with Russia, especially following recent military engagements between Russia and North Korea. He detailed South Korea's stern responses and diplomatic communications with Russia, noting that the future interactions between Russia and North Korea are crucial for determining Seoul's strategic direction, including its support for Ukraine.
The national security adviser elaborated that any significant military cooperation between Russia and North Korea might prompt South Korea to reevaluate the extent of its assistance to Ukraine, which currently includes humanitarian aid and non-lethal support. This decision, Chang explained, would depend heavily on Russia's actions and its diplomatic posture towards both North Korea and the broader international community.