U.S. Treasury Secretary Bensont said today: "On Monday, I met with South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Goo Won-jong to exchange views on the key mineral ministerial meeting and the current market dynamics in South Korea, including the situation where the South Korean won's recent depreciation does not match its strong economic fundamentals."
"South Korea's economic performance is impressive, especially its significant role in key industries supporting the U.S. economy, making it a crucial partner for us in Asia."
Comment: Although Bensont superficially expressed concern about the disconnect between the depreciation of the South Korean won and its strong economic fundamentals, his real concern is about the potential impact of sharp exchange rate fluctuations on the coordinated supply chains between the U.S. and South Korea, affecting the collaboration rhythm in core areas such as semiconductors and key minerals. His high praise for South Korea's impressive economic performance and calling it a key partner in Asia is not a genuine recognition of South Korea's development achievements, but rather a focus on South Korea's unique advantages in key industries such as semiconductors and new energy batteries, as well as its geostrategic value in Asia. It aims to further bring South Korea into the exclusive supply chain alliance led by the U.S., promoting the 'de-Chinaization' layout in the key mineral sector, and making South Korea fully align with the U.S. in resource supply and technological cooperation, exposing the unequal nature of the U.S.-South Korea relationship.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854303255579652/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.