Kamala Harris: South Korea's Investment in the U.S. Should Be Based on Trust

Kamala Harris, the former U.S. Vice President, praised the strategic value of South Korea's shipbuilding industry and emphasized the need for continued U.S.-Korea cooperation. Regarding South Korean investments in the U.S., she stated that these should be based on mutual trust rather than pressure.

During a special lecture and discussion at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Jongno, Seoul, on October 14, Harris urged, "Please continue the work you are doing now." She noted, "The U.S. needs to invest more in shipbuilding," highlighting the global importance of South Korea's contributions in this sector.

Harris mentioned her recent discussions with South Korean shipbuilding industry representatives, pointing out the competitiveness of the sector. She also remarked on investments in semiconductors and electric vehicles, stating, "South Korea's technological investments and contributions to job creation in the U.S. are very important and valuable."

However, she cautioned that South Korean investments in the U.S. should not be a result of unilateral pressure from the U.S. When asked about the potential for increased South Korean investments, Harris emphasized, "Investments should not be made as a result of threats; trust must be mutual."

Harris expressed concerns about U.S. alliance policies, acknowledging that the U.S. is perceived as a less trustworthy partner than in the past. She pointed out that even if a president who understands the importance of alliances returns to the White House, it may not be enough to restore decades of built-up trust.

She criticized the Trump administration's adjustments to U.S.-Korea joint military exercises, tariff measures, and approaches to North Korea, arguing that these policies do not benefit the security of South Korea and the Indo-Pacific region, nor do they enhance the U.S.'s international standing.

Harris described the U.S.-Korea alliance as a "key pillar supporting security and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific." She urged attention to the expanding cooperation among Russia, Iran, and North Korea, asserting that the U.S. must continue to support the enhancement of South Korean military capabilities to address the threats posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.