The Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University (Director Lee Kwan-Sei) held the 14th Samcheong Forum in the conference room of the Peace Hall at 19:00 on March 6. The forum featured a presentation by Professor Ahn Ho-Young, Visiting Chair Professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (former Ambassador to the United States), on the topic, “Trump’s Trade War: How Should We Respond?”

In response to the trade war rekindled after the start of Trump’s second term, Professor Ahn, former Ambassador to the United States during the first term of President Trump, underscored, “Rather than addressing each issue individually, we should focus on a larger win-win strategy,” adding, “it is important to remind the U.S. that South Korea is the ideal strategic partner.”

Professor Ahn stated that attention should be paid to President Trump’s push for ‘revitalizing American manufacturing’ as the most important economic policy. He mentioned, “It is crucial to leverage the fact that the U.S. is also interested in industries where South Korea has strengths, such as semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, nuclear power, and home appliances.” He further explained that industries with technological advantages can gain strategic superiority, and therefore, a comprehensive approach to expanding local investment and industrial cooperation could be a practical solution. In this regard, he added, “Government support is necessary to maintain the technological lead in sectors where South Korea holds a comparative advantage.”

Additionally, Professor Ahn raised the need to revive the rule of law in trade and a ‘rule-based trade system,’ suggesting, “It is essential to strengthen ties with countries facing similar challenges, such as Japan, the EU, Canada, and Australia, and to seriously consider joining the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progessive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).”

Following the presentation, Q&A session was held with graduate students and experts in attendance.