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The Diplomat
an hour ago
- Business
- The Diplomat
Why Trump's Trade War on South Korea May Backfire
Trump must be careful about pressuring Seoul, or his administration could push Lee Jae-myung to move South Korea closer to China. U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a crowd of joint service members stationed across the Korean Peninsula during his visit to Osan Air Base, South Korea, June 30, 2019. U.S. President Donald Trump is aware of the strategic importance of a trilateral security alliance among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to counter China's ascending power. His administration considers these two Asian countries essential allies for maintaining collective security. However, his recent foreign policy actions may hinder trilateral cooperation among these allies, as he may put too much pressure on South Korea and Japan. For example, Trump plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported goods from South Korea if he does not secure a favorable trade agreement by August 1. He is also demanding a significant bump in South Korea's share of the costs for hosting U.S. troops stationed near Seoul and an increase in the country's annual military expenditures. While these demands aim to advance U.S. interests, they could unintentionally destabilize South Korea's government and drive Lee Jae-myung, the newly elected president, closer to China, the most formidable U.S. rival. Currently, the negative ramifications of Trump's arm-twisting are minimal, as Lee is making every effort to meet Trump's demands. Well aware of the crucial role the U.S. plays in South Korea's security, Lee has dispatched all his top staff members to negotiate with their U.S. counterparts. He hopes to finalize a deal with Trump at a summit meeting as quickly as possible. During his first term, Trump persuaded South Korea to reduce its economic engagement with China, which had been its most beneficial trading partner. Seoul's foreign policy used to aim to strengthen national security with the support of the U.S. military, while simultaneously fostering economic growth through cooperation with China. Interestingly, the substantial trade revenues generated from China enabled Seoul to acquire additional military assets from the U.S., such as fighter jets and Apache attack helicopters. However, Trump disapproved of Seoul's close economic ties with Beijing and pressured the South Korean government to decrease its trade with China. In response, Seoul favorably adjusted its trade volume. Trump appeared to have won, as South Korea has recorded a trade deficit with China since 2023. Additionally, as of 2025, South Korea's exports to China have become comparable to its exports to the U.S. In other words, since the late 2010s, Seoul has sacrificed a substantial amount of trade profit from China to cherish its long-term friendship with Washington. With the start of his second term, Trump's foreign policy agenda has shifted its focus toward addressing the trade deficit with South Korea, rather than enhancing the trilateral security arrangement. This shift is understandable, considering that the U.S. goods trade deficit with South Korea reached $66 billion in 2024, marking a 29.2 percent increase since 2023. Nevertheless, as Seoul attempts to address the trade imbalance with the U.S. to meet Washington's demands, it is experiencing a notable decline in national revenue. The initial blow came from the decrease in trade revenue with China – another of Trump's demands. If Seoul encounters further economic losses, it may struggle to maintain its purchases of U.S. weapons, cover the additional defense costs for U.S. Forces Korea, and raise its overall military expenditures. Furthermore, Trump's high tariffs could destabilize the new South Korean government. The opposition could portray any resulting economic trouble as a failure on Lee's part to protect national interests. They might also present any discord with Trump as evidence of Lee's incompetence in foreign policymaking. Growing domestic opposition may prompt Lee, who is left-leaning and pragmatic, to seek to reduce South Korea's dependence on the dollar for international trade and re-establish close ties with China, which had previously provided significant trade benefits for South Korea. Lee's outreach to China could gain momentum if the trade dispute reignites anti-American sentiment among his left-leaning supporters. Anti-Americanism was a serious concern in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with many Koreans chanting 'Yankee go home' during street protests in response to what they saw as U.S. interference in South Korea's domestic politics. If Lee cannot reach acceptable trade terms with Trump at a summit before September 3, he will likely meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping first. September 3 marks the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day, commemorating Japan's surrender after its defeat by the U.S. in the Pacific War. Xi has invited Lee to the Victory Day celebrations; then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye had attended the 70th anniversary event back in 2015. If Lee accepts Xi's invitation before having a face-to-face conference with Trump, this would break tradition, as newly elected South Korean presidents typically meet with the U.S. president first. If Lee and Xi celebrate together in Beijing this September, the world will likely speculate that the U.S. is losing its key Asian ally to China. To avoid this unfavorable scenario, Trump should refrain from imposing excessive burdens on South Korea. After all, Seoul has consistently upheld a free trade agreement with the U.S. for over a decade, demonstrating good faith. Additionally, South Korea has a long history of supporting the United States' global leadership. The country fought alongside American forces in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, has been one of the largest importers of U.S. weapons, and hosts the United States' largest overseas military base, the home of U.S. Forces Korea. In sum, strengthening the security alliance with South Korea while easing trade tensions with Lee would better align with the national interests of the United States.
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Korea Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Lee Byung-jong] Time for Korea's brain gain
There was a time when South Korean scientists and engineers left their country in droves, seeking better research environments and more rewarding careers abroad —especially in the United States. For decades, this outflow of talent, often referred to as brain drain, was seen as a symptom of Korea's limited scientific infrastructure and rigid institutional culture. But today, the situation is changing. South Korea has emerged as a serious player in research and development, and its universities and companies are becoming increasingly competitive. Now, many of those once-lost talents are coming home — and more could follow. This trend could accelerate in light of policy shifts in the United States. The Trump administration has cut research funding and accused academic institutions of being "liberal strongholds,' pushing many scholars to consider opportunities abroad. As a result, countries around the world have begun courting scientists and academics disillusioned with the American system, offering them better support, autonomy and respect for their work. Canada, for example, has positioned itself as a haven for displaced US-based academics, offering generous funding and robust institutional support. The University of Toronto has successfully recruited several leading researchers from American universities in recent years. Similar efforts are underway in Europe. Aix-Marseille University in France recently offered 15 positions specifically aimed at US-based scholars. Across the continent, institutions in the UK, Germany and elsewhere are actively attracting American talent, especially as diplomatic and trade tensions with the US continue to rise. China is another key player in this new global race for talent. Armed with extensive government funding, a vast research infrastructure, and a clear national strategy, China has been aggressively courting global experts. Many China-born scientists and engineers, educated and employed in the US, are returning home, driven partly by growing anti-China sentiment in the US. However, China's ambitions face a critical limitation: a lack of academic freedom. For many international scholars, concerns about censorship and political interference make China a less appealing destination. Hong Kong once offered an alternative, but increasing control from Beijing has narrowed that window as well. In this global context, South Korea stands out as a country with both the motivation and the means to benefit from the US brain drain. Although it is still an emerging power in basic sciences, Korea has made impressive strides. Its universities may not yet be counted among the global elite, but their quality has improved dramatically. World-class research institutions like KAIST, Postech and the Institute for Basic Science are helping close the gap. Historically, most researchers returning to Korea have been Korean nationals who studied or worked abroad. Foreign scholars remain a rarity in Korean academia, largely due to systemic challenges: relatively low compensation, a rigid academic culture, hierarchical management in companies and significant language barriers. Many universities and research institutions still prioritize Korean-language communication and maintain promotion systems that can be opaque or overly rigid, discouraging interdisciplinary and creative work. Despite these challenges, Korea has the potential to become a global R&D hub. It invests over 4 percent of its gross domestic product in R&D — among the highest rates in the world — and the government has long recognized science and technology as essential to national development. Major conglomerates such as Samsung, SK, Hyundai, LG and Posco pour enormous sums into their research centers and also support affiliated institutions like Postech. The government-run Institute for Basic Science, launched in 2011, collaborates with these players in key fields including biotechnology, AI, semiconductors, physics, robotics and battery research. These investments are already producing results. The IBS has recruited world-class talent such as Kim Ki-moon, an expert in supramolecular chemistry, and Noh Do-young, a leader in advanced X-ray science — both of whom returned from prestigious US laboratories. At KAIST, Cho Kwang-hyun, a systems biology expert trained in the US, is leading cutting-edge research. Foreign talent, while still rare, is also starting to arrive. One standout is Rodney S. Ruoff, an American chemist renowned for his work in carbon materials, who joined IBS to lead nanomaterials research. He praised IBS for offering 'unprecedented freedom' compared to US institutions. Institutions across Korea are making efforts to attract more of this kind of talent. The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, for example, is actively recruiting global doctoral-level researchers in AI as part of a joint initiative with the Ministry of Science and ICT. Its postdoctoral fellowship program offers highly attractive compensation — up to 90 million won ($ 64,700) annually — along with research funding and opportunities for industry collaboration. These moves are designed not only to build domestic expertise but also to internationalize Korea's research environment. Ultimately, all these efforts toward brain gain aim to strengthen Korea's global standing in R&D, which still lags behind its industrial and manufacturing dominance. While Samsung and other Korean brands are global market leaders, their long-term success depends on innovation rooted in foundational science and technology. However, one major domestic challenge remains: attracting young Korean talent to scientific fields. An increasing number of top students are opting for medical school over careers in engineering or science, seeking greater job stability and social prestige. For a country still waiting for its first Nobel Prize in science (it has only won in peace and literature), this trend is troubling. Yet, the momentum behind Korea's brain gain strategy may help reverse this. By showcasing world-class research, international partnerships, and success stories of returnees and foreign scholars, Korea can inspire the next generation of homegrown scientists — and attract the best minds from around the world.
United News of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
India successfully test-fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles
New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) India today successfully test-fired short-range ballistic missiles -- Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launches validated all operational and technical parameters, a Defence Ministry statement said. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. UNI RBE ARN More News Cong calls for foreign policy recalibration, slams India's abstention on Gaza ceasefire resolution 17 Jul 2025 | 10:15 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The Congress today accused the Centre's Narendra Modi government of causing a 'serious drift' in India's foreign policy and called for a 'comprehensive course correction' to restore the country's global stature and moral standing. see more.. ED Files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in Gurugram land scam 17 Jul 2025 | 9:25 PM New Delhi/Gurugram, July 17 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a high-profile land scam in Gurugram, Haryana. see more.. India rubbishes NATO chief's threatening of severe sanctions for trading with Russia 17 Jul 2025 | 8:05 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) India today rubbished NATO chief Mark Rutte's threat of 'severe secondary sanctions' on countries trading with Russia and cautioned against any 'double standards.' External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said India's overriding priority is to secure energy needs guided by what is available in the markets and the prevailing global circumstances. see more.. PM Modi meets South Korean delegation, recalls positive meeting with President Lee Jae Myung 17 Jul 2025 | 7:48 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with a delegation of Special Envoys from South Korea during which he recalled his positive meeting with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. see more..
News18
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
The Ayodhya Alliance: Thrilling Fusion Of Ancient Secrets And Modern Warfare
Last Updated: The Ayodhya Alliance is vintage Ashwin Sanghi — fast-paced, richly layered, and thought-provoking Ashwin Sanghi returns with The Ayodhya Alliance, a bold, globe-trotting thriller that fuses mythology, science, and geopolitics into an electrifying narrative. With his signature blend of fact and fiction, Sanghi delves deep into the rich tapestry of Indian epics, ancient civilisations, and contemporary power struggles, delivering a novel that is as intellectually engaging as it is relentlessly suspenseful. At the heart of the story lies a long-buried enigma — a mysterious scientific force once whispered by Ravana to Lakshman on the blood-soaked battlefield of Lanka. This isn't just any ancient secret, but a revelation with the potential to alter the trajectory of human history. For thousands of years, this secret remained hidden, protected by guardians bound by a sacred oath. Now, in the 21st century, as India's borders simmer with tension and a crucial defence technology begins to falter, the past resurfaces with explosive urgency. Enter Aditya Pillai, a high-stakes industrialist with a deep investment in India's defence projects, and Somi Kim, a brilliant South Korean technocrat. The pairing is unusual but compelling. Their mission begins as a modern technological crisis but soon morphs into an Indiana Jones-esque quest that spans continents and millennia. Together, they uncover a trail that stretches from Ayodhya to Kailasa, from the Pandyan Empire to Rome, Damascus, Thailand, and Korea. The sheer breadth of the historical canvas is staggering. Sanghi's greatest strength lies in his ability to craft plausible connections between mythology and science, between the spiritual and the strategic. In The Ayodhya Alliance, he masterfully blurs the lines between historical fact and speculative fiction. As the protagonists follow cryptic clues and decode ancient texts, readers are treated to a whirlwind tour of lost knowledge, suppressed technologies, and forgotten alliances. But it's not just the treasure hunt that keeps the pages turning. The novel also probes deeper questions: What happens when science is indistinguishable from magic? Who controls the narrative of history? And what is the cost of ultimate power? The pacing is brisk, with Sanghi deftly alternating between historical flashbacks and high-octane contemporary scenes. The transitions are smooth, ensuring that the reader is never disoriented despite the temporal leaps. He builds suspense incrementally, never overwhelming the reader with exposition, yet feeding just enough information to keep the mystery alive. Characters are well-drawn and multidimensional. Aditya Pillai is more than a corporate magnate; he is a man caught between his duty to his nation and his moral compass. Somi Kim brings an international flavour to the narrative and functions as both a cultural counterbalance and an intellectual equal. Their dynamic evolves gradually, underscoring themes of trust, collaboration, and shared heritage. Supporting characters — some descendants of ancient orders, others shadowy figures from intelligence agencies — add texture and complexity to the story. Thematically, The Ayodhya Alliance operates on multiple levels. It is, on the surface, an action-packed thriller. But at its core, it is a meditation on civilisational continuity, the erosion of knowledge, and the consequences of playing god with lost technologies. The myth of Ravana's whispered secret is not just a plot device; it is a symbol of how power, once divorced from ethics, can become a global threat. Sanghi's prose is crisp and cinematic, well-suited for the screen adaptation this book practically demands. There are moments where the exposition — especially the historical segments — verges on dense, but for readers familiar with Sanghi's work, this is part of the intellectual pleasure. His research is meticulous, and he continues his tradition of endnotes and references for the curious reader who wants to dive deeper into the history beneath the fiction. Where The Krishna Key and Chanakya's Chant explored theology and political philosophy, The Ayodhya Alliance ventures further into the speculative realm, almost bordering on science fiction. Yet, it remains grounded in the Indian ethos, reminding readers that ancient India was not only spiritual but scientific in its orientation — a land where technology and mysticism coexisted. In an era where India's role in the global order is rapidly evolving, The Ayodhya Alliance resonates as more than just a thriller. It is a story about civilisational agency, about reclaiming lost narratives, and about rising powers reasserting their intellectual and spiritual legacy on the world stage. At a time when popular fiction is saturated with Western myths and tropes, Sanghi's effort to root an international thriller in Indic history is both refreshing and politically significant. Verdict The Ayodhya Alliance is vintage Ashwin Sanghi — fast-paced, richly layered, and thought-provoking. It invites readers to rethink the boundaries between myth and reality, and between past and future. This novel offers a thrilling, immersive ride with a distinctly Indian heartbeat. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. First Published: News opinion Book Review | The Ayodhya Alliance: Thrilling Fusion Of Ancient Secrets And Modern Warfare Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Mainichi
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan protests South Korean military drills near disputed islets
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government said Thursday it lodged a strong protest with South Korea over military drills conducted in waters near remote islets in the Sea of Japan that are controlled by Seoul but claimed by Tokyo. Masaaki Kanai, head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, told the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo that the exercises were "totally unacceptable and extremely regrettable," the government said. The islets, called Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, are "clearly an integral part of Japanese territory in light of historical facts and international law," the Foreign Ministry said. Earlier in the day, the South Korean navy said it had carried out the drills, the first since President Lee Jae Myung took office last month, succeeding Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that troops did not land on the islets and that the biannual regular training, similar in scale to previous years, was closed to the public, as was the case under the Yoon administration.
