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| ▲ Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun answers lawmakers' questions during a parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul on July 17, 2025. (Yonhap) |
(2nd LD) FM nominee-parliamentary hearing
(2nd LD) FM nominee Cho vows active response to Trump's calls for tariffs, 'modernizing' alliance
(ATTN: ADDS Cho's remarks in para 17)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun vowed Thursday to actively respond to U.S. demands for higher tariffs and "modernizing" the alliance by closely consulting with the Donald Trump administration in a way that would mutually benefit both countries.
Speaking before the National Assembly in a confirmation hearing on his appointment, Cho also said he will work to create a path to resume dialogue with North Korea, while continuing efforts toward the North's denuclearization.
"I will actively respond to pressing issues, such as (U.S.) tariffs and the modernization of the alliance. We will push for greater cooperation across all areas, including the economy, military, security and advanced science technology," Cho said in his opening remarks.
His remarks came as South Korea is striving to make a deal with the Trump administration to secure exemptions or relief to the 25 percent reciprocal and sectoral tariffs before they take effect Aug. 1, as set by Trump's office.
The phrase "modernizing the alliance" has been used by the Trump administration, as it calls on allies and partners to boost their defense spending and shoulder a larger share of the defense burden.
"(The ministry) will maintain close communication with the Trump administration and further strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance in a way that benefits both countries," he said.
Cho characterized Trump's tariff negotiations as unconventional and yet called it an "undeniable truth" that requires closed talks with Washington.
Cho did not rule out the possibility that Seoul and Washington could reach a deal on tariffs in the short term, saying he is ready to visit the U.S. as soon as possible for tariff talks if confirmed as foreign minister.
In line with the Lee Jae Myung government's approach, Cho said he will work to create a path to resume dialogue with North Korea through close coordination with the United States.
"We will pursue denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and seek to establish peace in the region in parallel, through a phased and practical approach," Cho said.
When asked by a lawmaker if he considers the North as an enemy or threat, Cho said that North Korea is an "urgent and existential threat that could turn adversarial."
"But it's also a dialogue partner with whom we must build peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It has a dual nature," he said.
Cho hinted that a temporary suspension of joint military drills could be considered if both allies reach an agreement.
Cho said he will work to strengthen the alliance with Washington and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, while continuing efforts to encourage constructive roles from China and Russia.
He also pledged to work closely with China and Japan to hold a three-way summit among their leaders within this year as planned.
Bilaterally, he will seek to coordinate with Tokyo to respond to shared geopolitical challenges while continuing to address "with patience" unresolved wartime history issues stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea.
"With patience, we will take issues bilaterally and multilaterally, which I hope will make Japan change its stance (toward the past history)," Cho said adding that his ministry will work to map out measures that would not hurt future-oriented bilateral ties.
Cho said he will step up communication with China to develop ties in a more "mature" manner but will respond firmly to sovereign issues, like the row over Chinese steel structures in the overlapping sea zone in the Yellow Sea.
As the government strongly condemns the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, Cho said he will work closely with the international community to make sure that their alignment does not undermine peace on the Korean Peninsula.
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