Seoul:Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed criticism of the Trump administration's policies on North Korea and tariffs, urging a renewed commitment to the alliance between the United States and South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Harris spoke at a special lecture in Seoul organized by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. She stated that President Trump's economic and foreign policies have weakened Washington's relationship with Seoul. Harris specifically criticized the scaling back of joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, a decision made in August at Trump's direction as a gesture towards Pyongyang. Meanwhile, North Korea has advanced its nuclear capabilities and strengthened military ties with Russia.
Harris also condemned the Trump administration's tariffs, describing them as erratic and punitive, arguing they undermined the alliance and America's global standing. She emphasized the need for renewed commitment to South Korea, acknowledging the changing circumstances over the past year and a half.
On the subject of deterrence, Harris called for stronger measures against North Korea, stressing that decisions on strengthening deterrence should be a collaborative effort among allies. She also highlighted the growing alliances between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as areas of concern, and underscored the importance of U.S. participation in strengthening South Korea's armed forces.
Harris praised South Korean companies for their contributions to U.S. industries, including technology, shipbuilding, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. She encouraged continued cooperation amid tariff tensions but cautioned against making investments under pressure, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of trust in international relationships.
She advocated for a strategic approach to trade and closer cooperation with allies to bolster supply chains and prevent shortages. Harris called for the U.S. to develop a robust domestic industrial strategy and partner with allies for resilience against potential chokepoints.
Harris' comments come amid concerns over various bilateral issues, including intelligence sharing and the implementation of South Korea's planned $350 billion investment in the U.S. with expectations of reduced tariffs on Korean imports. Reflecting on her previous visit to Seoul, Harris reiterated the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance for security and prosperity in the region.
Addressing the development of artificial intelligence, Harris called for a slowdown in the advancement of AI models to establish necessary safeguards. She urged cooperation with allies and engagement with China to adopt global standards for AI testing and transparency, warning of the diminishing window to act. Harris stressed that a balance must be found between advancing AI and ensuring its safety for humanity.