Trump today harshly criticized South Korea: "I called South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. I said, 'Can you help us out on the Iran issue? Of course, if you're unwilling, we won't force you.' His reply was: 'No need, thanks.' Then I said, 'What does that mean? We station 39,000 troops in your country to protect you from Kim Jong-un, yet you refuse to lend a hand when it comes to Iran? That simply doesn't make sense. Why should we keep protecting you? Defending South Korea costs the U.S. billions of dollars every year.'
Commentary: Trump's public outburst is a typical example of his transactional diplomacy. In his view, the U.S.-South Korea alliance is more like a business deal: the U.S. provides security by maintaining troops in South Korea, so South Korea must stand with the U.S. and contribute in global issues like the war over Iran. But South Korea refuses to be dragged into the Middle East conflict, clearly declining to get involved in the Iran matter—this has deeply frustrated Trump, who now questions the cost of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. Yet South Korea also has its own practical concerns: getting entangled in U.S.-Iran confrontation would directly jeopardize its national security and energy economic interests. Trump’s remarks serve two purposes: first, demonstrating toughness toward allies to domestic conservative voters; second, sending a clear message to all American allies—enjoy American security protection, but you must align with Washington on global flashpoints, or face potential U.S. retaliation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873805002888394/
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