With just days left before the first South Korea-U.S. summit between President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 25, Washington is increasing its demands. After expanding tariffs on steel and aluminum, the United States announced plans to demand equity stakes from semiconductor companies, including Korean firms, that received subsidies for U.S. investments. Although tariff negotiations have concluded, economic and security issues remain contentious, making the summit a crucial test for Lee’s foreign policy. Analysts warn that Trump’s stronger “America First” stance could have far-reaching consequences. On Aug. 19, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the U.S. may acquire equity stakes in semiconductor companies receiving CHIPS Act subsidies. This raises the possibility of demands on Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which are subsidized for their U.S. semiconductor projects. Reports indicate Washington is negotiating with Intel to provide $10 billion in subsidies in exchange for a 10 percent stake. Such ownership could give the U.S. leverage over future investment expansions. The South Korean presidential office is bracing for unexpected demands. “We are preparing for various scenarios to respond to Trump’s style,” a senior government official said Aug. 20. “Because President Trump deals in concrete figures, negotiations will not be easy.” Sources note Seoul expects Trump could use tariffs and the U.S. troop presence in Korea as bargaining chips for investment or alliance concessions. “The amount of investment in the U.S. may increase,” Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-bum said. “Negotiations are not over until they are truly over.” Former officials from Trump’s first term warned risks have grown in his second. Cho Yoon-je, former Korean ambassador to the U.S., said, “We must show with numbers that Korea can be a strong partner in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. Trump’s spontaneous demands should be met flexibly but shifted to working-level talks.” Choi Jong-kun, former vice foreign minister and now Yonsei professor, added, “While it is important to deliver achievements Trump can showcase, strategic ambiguity must be maintained on issues such as alliance modernization.” (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: DONG A ILBO