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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
DP candidate Lee highlights USFK's role in China containment: report
Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of South Korea's progressive Democratic Party, has highlighted the strategic importance of US Forces Korea in Washington's efforts to contain China amid speculation the Donald Trump administration may scale down American troops stationed in the country. The Korea-based American forces "actually play a very important critical role for the United States policy of containment against China," Lee said in an interview with US magazine TIME published Thursday. Lee's remarks came after The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Washington is considering withdrawing some 4,500 troops, or 16 percent of the USFK, and relocating them to other locations in the Indo-Pacific. Both Seoul and Washington have dismissed the report, with the Pentagon reaffirming America's full commitment to South Korea's defense. TIME pointed out that Lee, once seen as more friendly toward China, now appears to be moving to a pro-US stance during the election campaign. Lee is considered one of the strongest candidates for the June 3 presidential election. He led the latest opinion poll with 49.2 percent, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party at 36.8 percent. Lee also expressed support for Trump's North Korean policies, saying that Trump's willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was "helpful for the peace of the Korean Peninsula, as well as for Northeast Asia." He dismissed concerns that South Korea might be sidelined in future talks, saying it would be "structurally" difficult to exclude Seoul even if direct Trump-Kim negotiations resumed. During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump sat down with Kim three times for nuclear negotiations, though the two sides failed to produce a constructive agreement. On relations with Japan, Lee reaffirmed his demand for a more "fulsome" apology for Tokyo's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. "We cannot dwell on the past, but Japan continues to deny its history and does not sincerely apologize, which hurts us Koreans," he told TIME. In trade policy, Lee pledged to pursue "reasonable and rational" discussions with the US to resolve tariff issues. South Korea is seeking to gain a full exemption or reduction of the Trump administration's 25 percent reciprocal tariffs for the country, as well as sectoral tariffs on steel, automobiles and other imports, by crafting a package deal on trade issues by early July. (Yonhap)
Memri
4 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
Open Sources Indicate Chinese Involvement In South Korea – Support For Pro-China Politicians, Cultural Influence, Sexual Bribery, Espionage, And Online Manipulation
Open sources indicate that China influences politics and society in South Korea through many channels. Much of this influence is connected to the pro-China leftist Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which dominates the National Assembly. The DPK has weaponized the legislative branch's lawmaking power and impeached pro-US President Yoon Suk-yeol, who pursued economic decoupling from China. The following short list, comprising information taken form open sources, gives some examples of China's influence in South Korea. China's Long-Term Support For Pro-China Politicians In South Korea: Lee Jae-myung, current DPK candidate at the June 3 presidential elections • Lee actively advocates for improving relations with China and criticized the "inequality" of the U.S.-South Korea alliance . • He has claimed that, if elected, he would cancel THAAD deployment. He argues that the U.S. uses THAAD to block China's maritime access and spy on Chinese secrets, solely for U.S. interests. • Lee holds an anti-Japan stance. On November 14, 2016, he criticized the South Korea-Japan Military Intelligence Protection Agreement. • In March 2024, Lee questioned the Yoon administration's stance toward China, asking, "Why provoke China? What does the Taiwan issue have to do with South Korea?" Former President Moon Jae-in (2017-2022) • During his presidency, Moon Jae-in promoted China-South Korea reconciliation. • Yoon accused Moon's administration of leaking THAAD-related intelligence and collaborating with China. See: Exclusive: Audit finds Moon administration leaked THAAD details to China, civic groups, Chosun daily, Nov.19, 2024 Editorial: Moon officials undermined THAAD to appease China, Chosun daily, Apr. 10, 2025 • Moon Jae-in has publicly endorsed the view that South Korea's founding was illegitimate, portraying it as the work of pro-Japanese collaborators under U.S. influence. Cultural Involvement • By the end of 2023, there were 39 Confucius Institutes promoting the CCP in South Korea. • In Seoul National University's (SNU) there is a "Xi Jinping Collection Room," a section of the main library that houses more than 10,000 books and videos donated by the Chinese leader after his visit to the country in 2014. • In 2019, Institute for Democracy, an arm of the Democratic party of Korea responsible for election strategy, signed an agreement with the CCP Central Committee's Party School, which produces the party elites. Sexual Bribery A senior South Korean intelligence official told Epoch Times journalist Joshua Philipp about high-ranking South Korean officials and business elites being under the control of the CCP due to sexual bribes, and secret fund transfers.[1] Spy Activities Chinese Students Caught Using Drones to Spy on U.S. and Korean Military Bases • In June 2024, three Chinese students were caught using drones to film U.S. aircraft carrier. In January 2024, a Chinese national was detained flying a drone near a security-sensitive zone. Chinese nationals had been caught filming South Korean military and key government facilities on 11 occasions since June 2024. • On December 23, 2022, the Korean media reported that a restaurant in Seoul was identified as a CCP 'secret police station' to suppress dissidents. Legal Loopholes: Article 98 of Korea's criminal code defines espionage only in relation to "enemy states" (i.e., N. Korea). China is not classified as an enemy, which limits legal tools to prosecute Chinese spies. Online Manipulation • Troll Army "Wu Mao" active in Korean online platforms like Naver, Daum, to sway opinion on political issues. • Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) investigated hacking by N. Korea and CCP against South Korea's National Election Commission servers and computers, and it discovered serious weaknesses in the system.
Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
On the menu, not at the table: Iraq's growing irrelevance in the region
Shafaq News/ In a region historically shaped by American interventions and shifting alliances, President Donald Trump's recent Middle East tour has once again stirred debate over Washington's recalibrated priorities. With high-profile visits to Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, Trump unveiled ambitious economic and security plans—but his conspicuous exclusion of Iraq sent a different kind of message. For many observers, Baghdad's absence was neither a scheduling oversight nor an accident of geography. Rather, it served as a calculated signal from Washington: Iraq is no longer central to US strategy in the region. A Tour Signaling Realignment Billed as both a diplomatic reentry and an unofficial campaign reset, Trump's visit aimed to deepen ties with key Gulf allies while reviving elements of his foreign policy legacy. Major trade and infrastructure agreements were signed in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while energy cooperation and regional conflict mediation were the focus in Qatar. US officials traveling with the president described the tour as part of a broader push for 'economic stabilization and conflict de-escalation.' Yet, the deeper strategic undercurrent was clear: redrawing regional alignments by focusing on pro-US Gulf states and distancing Washington from actors perceived as unstable or adversarial. The Silence from Baghdad Iraq's omission stood in stark contrast to its historic status as a pillar of US Middle East engagement. Once a focal point for both military campaigns and democratic nation-building, Iraq now finds itself on the periphery of regional diplomacy. 'Iraq doesn't fit the mold anymore,' said Frank Masmar, a policy advisor at the University of Maryland, in an interview with Shafaq News. 'Trump's doctrine favors functional allies who offer strategic or economic returns. Iraq is increasingly viewed as a liability rather than a partner.' Masmar noted that Trump's itinerary was methodically crafted. 'The focus was clearly on Saudi Arabia and Qatar as drivers of a new regional dynamic,' he said. 'Iraq represents an older era of US involvement—one Trump wants to move past.' He added that Baghdad' s continued entanglements with Iran and its fragmented domestic politics make it an unappealing partner for a US administration prioritizing economic partnerships and streamlined security cooperation. Strategic Message to Iraq's Ruling Class According to Dr. Ihsan al-Shammari, head of the Iraqi Center for Political Thought, the snub was more than symbolic. 'The United States no longer sees Iraq as an autonomous actor,' he told Shafaq News. 'It sees Iraq as an extension of Iran's sphere of influence.' Al-Shammari attributed this perception to Baghdad's failure to institutionalize sovereignty and chart an independent foreign policy course. 'Washington's frustration is rooted in Iraq's lack of clarity—its inability to distance itself from Tehran has cost it dearly in regional relevance.' Trump's longstanding aversion to 'endless wars' and his preference for transactional diplomacy made Iraq's complexity a strategic inconvenience. As Masmar put it, 'Trump didn't want Iraq on the itinerary because it raises difficult questions. The decision was deliberate.' Washington's Recalibrated Lens Within US policy circles, the shift away from Iraq is increasingly evident. Former American diplomats speaking to Shafaq News said the current approach to Iraq is largely reactive—aimed at damage control rather than partnership-building. Tom Harb, director of the American Mideast Coalition for Democracy, noted that Iraq no longer features in Washington's core calculations. 'It's not seen as a platform for influence anymore. It's a cautionary tale,' he said. 'That space is now being filled by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.' Harb emphasized that Trump's foreign policy revolves around clear returns: base access, intelligence sharing, and economic cooperation. 'Iraq hasn't delivered on these fronts. Instead, it's viewed as a host for Iranian-backed militias that complicate diplomacy and security.' Al-Shammari echoed these concerns, arguing that Washington doubts Iraq's ability to act independently. 'The presence of entrenched, Iran-aligned groups has undermined state authority,' he said. 'This erodes trust and narrows Iraq's diplomatic value.' Regional Conversations Without Iraq Iraq's absence from high-level discussions on Syria, regional security, and the Abraham Accords further highlights its diplomatic isolation. As the US explores conditional re-engagement with Damascus and works to expand Arab-Israeli normalization, Baghdad remains a bystander. Trump's meeting with Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa—described by Western observers as 'historic'—marked a milestone in thawing US-Syria ties after more than a decade. The visit also symbolized a willingness to reward governments that show signs of recalibration. 'Syria is being reintegrated. Iraq, paradoxically, is being sidelined,' said Radwan Ziadeh, a Syrian-American academic based in Washington. He noted that while Syria was once more isolated than Iraq, it is now making strides that Baghdad has not pursued. Strategic Costs and Domestic Paralysis Analysts warn that Iraq's growing irrelevance may soon solidify into a broader regional consensus. Without a decisive pivot away from Tehran and toward independent diplomacy, Baghdad risks entrenching its own marginalization. Dr. Laith Kubba, former Iraqi government spokesman and regional affairs analyst, told Shafaq News that Iraq is drifting toward a 'strategic vacuum.' 'It's not fully aligned with Iran, but it's also not part of the Arab consensus,' he said. 'That ambiguity is costly. In moments of regional realignment, countries without clear positions are left behind.' So far, the official Iraqi response to Trump's tour has been notably muted. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein welcomed the outcomes of Trump's Gulf meetings and expressed support for sanctions relief on Syria. Government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi stressed that Iraq neither requested nor was invited to participate in the meetings, dismissing rumors to the contrary. Some interpret this 'shy' response as a careful balancing act—an effort to avoid antagonizing either Washington or Tehran. Others see it as further evidence of Baghdad's internal dysfunction. 'There's a paralysis in Iraq's foreign policy,' said Kubba. 'It reflects the fragmentation of the political elite, which can't agree on core national interests—let alone a coherent regional role.' From the Sidelines to Obsolescence? The risk, experts argue, is that Iraq's passive posture may evolve into permanent irrelevance if its leadership fails to act. As other states in the region redefine their positions and build new alliances, Iraq's seat at the table is increasingly vacant. 'The longer Iraq stays out of these realignments, the harder it will be to reintegrate,' warned Paolo von Schirach, president of the Global Policy Institute in Washington. 'In this region, if you're not at the table, you risk being on the menu.' Reclaiming a meaningful role, analysts contend, will require more than rhetoric. It will demand strategic clarity, sovereignty in decision-making, and engagement that transcends internal divisions. Until then, Iraq may remain on the menu—discussed, evaluated, and acted upon by others—but not at the table where those decisions are made.
Kuwait Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Philippine president's allies set for Senate; Duterte to be mayor
Philippine president's allies set for Senate; Duterte to be mayor MANILA: Allies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr looked set to win at least half of the available Senate seats in a midterm election on Monday, an unofficial tally showed, in a contest seen as a referendum on his leadership and a fierce proxy battle with his estranged vice president. Although 18,000 positions including mayors, governors and lawmakers were up for grabs, attention was firmly on the race for the influential Senate, with a bitter row between Marcos and his popular Vice President Sara Duterte dominating an election that could reshape the balance of power in the country of 110 million. With most votes counted in the unofficial tally, six of the 12 Senate candidates backed by Marcos were on course for seats, signaling strong support for the president and his policy agenda after the dramatic collapse of his once formidable alliance with Duterte, the daughter of maverick former leader Rodrigo Duterte. Analysts say a Marcos-friendly Senate would not only secure passage of key legislation and backing for his pro-US foreign policy, but it could help him decide the political future of his adversary Duterte, a likely 2028 presidential contender with Marcos limited to a single term. The vote counts showed four allies of Duterte were set to win Senate seats, however, which could give her an important foothold in the high-profile chamber. Official results from all electoral contests were expected to be announced from Tuesday. What began as a united front that swept the 2022 election unraveled last year into an acrimonious feud, marked by a torrent of personal accusations and a bid to impeach Duterte on allegations she misused funds, amassed unexplained wealth and threatened to assassinate Marcos, the first lady and the House speaker. High-stakes contest Ederson Tapia, a political scientist at the University of Makati, said that while the voting was going in Marcos' favor, his influence over the Senate would not be guaranteed. "We will see even more fragmentation at the Senate, especially, since many will jockey for 2028," he said of the next presidential election. "Duterte's influence cannot be written off altogether." The Senate contest is critical, with its 24 members to become jurors if an impeachment trial goes ahead, where Duterte faces removal from office and a lifetime ban. At least 16 votes - a two-thirds majority - are needed to convict her. Fueling the flames of the already charged election was former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest by Philippine police in March at the request of the International Criminal Court, where he is detained and facing trial over a "war on drugs" during which thousands were killed. Both Dutertes have denied wrongdoing and have challenged the proceedings against them. Sara Duterte has accused Marcos of trying to destroy their family politically and of selling out sovereignty in giving up a former president to a foreign court, both of which he has rejected. Despite the elder Duterte's detention in The Hague, unofficial results showed he was set to be elected mayor in a landslide in his hometown Davao City, with his son as vice mayor. — Reuters
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Philippine president's allies on course for most available Senate seats in election
Allies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr were on course to win at least half of the available Senate seats in a midterm election on Monday, an unofficial tally showed, in a contest seen as a referendum on his leadership and a fierce proxy battle with his estranged vice president. Although 18,000 positions including mayors, governors and lawmakers were up for grabs on Monday, attention is firmly on race for the Senate, with a bitter rivalry between Marcos and his popular Vice President Sara Duterte dominating an election that could reshape the balance of power in the country of 110 million people. With more than half of the votes counted in the unofficial tally, six of the 12 Senate candidates backed by Marcos were among those receiving the most votes, signalling strong support for the president and his policy agenda after the dramatic collapse of his once formidable alliance with Duterte, the daughter of maverick former leader Rodrigo Duterte. What began as a united front that swept the 2022 election unravelled into an acrimonious feud, marked by a torrent of personal accusations and a bid to impeach Duterte on allegations she misused funds, amassed unexplained wealth and threatened the lives of Marcos, the first lady and the house speaker. The early counts showed at least three allies of Duterte were on course to win Senate seats. Analysts say a Marcos-friendly Senate would not only secure passage of key legislation, including security measures aligned with his pro-US foreign policy, but it could help him to determine the political future of fierce foe Duterte, a likely presidential contender with Marcos limited to a single term. The Senate contest is critical, with its 24 members to become jurors if an impeachment trial goes ahead, where Duterte faces removal from office and a lifetime ban. At least 16 votes – a two-thirds majority – are needed to convict her. While several of Duterte's endorsed candidates appeared to be falling short in the early vote counts, at least three of her allies were on track to retain their Senate seats, which could give her a foothold in the upper chamber. Among those were her father's loyalists, former police chief Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go, a longtime presidential aide, who were ranked in the top three. Fuelling the flames of the already charged election was Rodrigo Duterte's arrest by Philippine police in March at the request of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where he is detained and facing trial over a 'war on drugs' during which thousands were killed. Despite his detention, he was on Monday's ballot for mayor in his hometown. Both Dutertes have denied wrongdoing and have challenged the proceedings against them. Sara Duterte has accused Marcos of trying to destroy their family politically and of selling out sovereignty in giving up a former president to a foreign court, both of which he has rejected.
