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South⁣ Korea Courts Trump with Honors as Trade Negotiations Continue

Seoul, South Korea – As Donald Trump concluded a visit to South Korea this week, he was met with a display of high honors​ while trade negotiations between the US and South Korea remain ongoing, though ⁤reportedly progressing slower than‌ anticipated.

Following a meeting with South Korean Trade Minister Lee, a statement was released⁣ indicating a deal was “pretty ⁣much finalised,” though no specifics were ⁤provided. This contrasts with earlier assessments from Oh Hyunjoo, a deputy national security director for South Korea, who stated on ‌monday that negotiations were proceeding “a‍ little bit more slowly” than expected. Key sticking points include “matters such⁤ as the ⁢structure ⁢of investments, their formats and how the profits ‍will be distributed,” she explained.

The situation ‌highlights a difference in approach compared to Japan, where​ the​ government has successfully facilitated the ‍$550 billion in investments promised under a previous trade agreement.US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick‍ recently announced ‍up to $490 billion in ‍specific commitments ⁢secured during ‌a business dinner in Tokyo.

Speaking at a business forum prior to‍ Trump’s arrival, Minister Lee​ cautioned against protectionist policies. “At​ a time when protectionism and ⁣nationalism ‍are on the ⁣rise and nations focus on ​their⁣ immediate survival, words like ‘cooperation,’⁤ ‘coexistence’ and ‘inclusive growth’⁤ may sound hollow,” he said. “Yet, paradoxically,‍ it is in times of crisis ⁤like this that⁤ APEC’s role as a platform for solidarity shines brighter.”

The⁢ visit was marked by a series of gifts ⁣presented to Trump. He received the Grand Order​ of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s‍ highest honor – a⁣ first ⁣for a US president. Trump remarked on the medal, stating, “It’s as beautiful as it can possibly‍ be”​ and “I’d ⁢like to wear it right now.” He was also ⁤presented with a replica‌ of a royal crown from the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD), discovered in a tomb‌ in Gyeongju.

Beyond trade, tensions between‍ Washington and Seoul have surfaced ⁤this year. In September, a​ US immigration raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia ‍led to the detention⁢ of over 300 South korean workers, prompting outrage ⁣in South Korea. Lee expressed ‍concerns at the time ⁢that future investments could be jeopardized without improvements to ⁢the visa system,stating,”If that’s not possible,then establishing a local factory in the United ⁢States will ‍either come with severe disadvantages or become very difficult for our companies.”

Trump addressed the ⁤raid, saying, “I was opposed to getting ⁤them out,” and indicated openness to an improved visa system to facilitate skilled⁤ worker mobility.

During his trip, Trump is also scheduled to meet with Chinese‍ leader Xi‍ Jinping on Thursday. ⁤Both Washington and Beijing have signaled a willingness to de-escalate trade tensions. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday that he anticipates lowering tariffs on Chinese goods used in the production of ⁢fentanyl, stating, “They’ll be doing what they⁤ can do,” and adding, “china is going to be‌ working with‌ me.”