News

Nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy raises uncertainty over trilateral cooperation

2025/03/05 10:00

Nominee for U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, has voiced uncertainty over security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan. During his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, when asked about an Indo-Pacific version of the NATO, he stated that with the political dynamics of Seoul in the past 6 to 8 months, it is unclear whether cooperation can continue. He added that he isn't against the idea of the multilateral alliance, but is skeptical on whether the alliance would be as ambitious as NATO. This comes as Colby argued that the U.S. couldn't focus on everything at once, though adding that it wouldn't "want North Korea to take over South Korea."

On-point: Trump hopes to announce Ukraine deal in address to Congress: Sources

2025/03/05 10:00

After a dramatic spat with his Ukrainian counterpart, U.S. President Donald Trump is apparently hoping to announce the minerals deal with Ukraine in his first address to Congress since returning to power. For more, we connect with Voice of America correspondent Jessica Stone. Hello there, Jessica. 1. Jessica, he should be delivering his speech in the coming hour. How important is this congressional speech? 2. Are Democrats showing up for the speech? 3. Now sources say the U.S. and Ukraine planned to sign a minerals deal on Tuesday, just in time for Trump's speech to Congress. How likely is it that he'll announce the deal tonight? 4. The speech also comes a day after Trump announced tariff plans on Mexico, Canada, and China. What is he expected to say about tariffs? 5. What about North Korea and related issues? Thanks Jessica, for the coverage. We appreciate it.

S. Korea secures key trade dialogue with U.S. amid tariff concerns

2025/03/05 10:00

Concerns are lingering that Trump's merciless tariffs could spill over to South Korea, but Korean trade authorities are taming those worries, saying a communication channel is ready with the U.S. to discuss tariffs. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. South Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun says his recent visit to the United States has established a key communication channel with the Trump administration to discuss tariffs and industrial cooperation, including shipbuilding and energy. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Ahn described this as a major achievement, allowing negotiations to take place in a way that best serves South Korea's interests. He likened the tariff talks to a "marathon," warning that new tariffs on industries such as semiconductors, 반도체, bio-manufacturing, 바이오 제조, and automobiles 자동차 could emerge at any time. During his visit, Ahn met with senior U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House Energy Adviser Doug Burgum. He confirmed that four working-level dialogue groups have been established on shipbuilding, energy, Alaska gas development, and non-tariff barriers, alongside separate channels with the U.S. Commerce Department, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the National Energy Council. With the U.S. set to expand tariffs on steel and aluminum starting next week and poised to introduce more, Ahn stressed that securing a fair competitive environment is crucial saying South Korean firms will be able to adapt if they are not placed at a disadvantage compared to other countries. He also emphasized the need for consistent policy, highlighting the strong industrial ties between the two countries, and stated that Seoul is urging Washington to uphold commitments made to Korean companies under the previous administration such as the Inflation Reduction Act. On shipbuilding, Ahn said Washington views South Korea as a key partner in strengthening U.S. naval capabilities, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick expressing appreciation for Seoul's willingness to cooperate. Ahn further revealed that he had explored opportunities for South Korean participation in Alaska's gas development project, which has become a priority under President Trump's push for increased domestic oil and gas production. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Zelenskyy calls White House meeting with Trump 'regrettable' after U.S. aid pulled

2025/03/05 10:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to sort things out after his clash with Trump last week, now vowing to "make things right" after Trump announced the pulling of all military aid for Ukraine. Lee Seung-jae has more. In a video address on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret over his recent clash with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. "We seek constructive cooperation and true partnership. What happened at the White House instead of our planned negotiations is regrettable. But we must find the strength to move forward, respect one another — as we have always respected America, Europe, and all our partners — and work together to bring peace closer." The Ukrainian leader said that maintaining a normal, partnership relationship with the U.S. is crucial to ending the war, adding that no one wants an endless war. He also vowed to "make things right," saying Ukraine was ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Zelenskyy also took to X on Tuesday, saying that he and his team are ready to work under Trump's "strong leadership" for lasting peace. The remarks from Zelenskyy come after President Trump ordered all military aid to Ukraine to be cut off, following the White House meeting. The decision was warmly welcomed by the Kremlin, who said that the U.S. suspending military aid to Ukraine would be the best contribution to peace. According to Russian media reports on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it's clear that the U.S. has been the main supplier of the Ukraine war, welcoming the decision to cut aid to Ukraine. He said while the details of the suspension need to be confirmed, it will allow Ukraine to enter into a peace process. Peskov also voiced optimism that Kyiv will lean towards resolving the situation through peaceful means. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

EU unveils US$ 840 bil. defense investment "ReArm Europe" plan

2025/03/05 10:00

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday that the EU bloc will boost collective defense by significantly boosting military spending. The European Commission President introduced the "ReArm Europe" plan, which would allow all European countries to access a fund worth 840 billion U.S. dollars for defense in the coming years. Calling it an "era of rearmament," she says the plan will allow EU member states to "pool demand and to buy together," while increasing interoperability and strengthening its defense. The announcement comes as EU leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Thursday, where they'll discuss a defense package for Europe and Ukraine.

Trump threatens Canada that reciprocal tariffs will be levied

2025/03/05 10:00

After Trump's tariffs took effect on Tuesday, those countries that are affected have been replying with their own retaliatory measures. Canada, Mexico and China have been firing off retaliatory tariffs, causing Trump to fire back. Ahn Sung-jin starts us off. Canada, Mexico and China have been gearing up for retaliatory measures after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff impositions began on March 4th, local time. Trump cited the failure to hamper drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, into the U.S. as a major reason for the tariffs. However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refuted the claim and said it is false to say that Canada was unwilling to help. Canada immediately imposed 25 percent tariffs on 20 billion U.S. dollars of U.S. imports and will pursue several non-tariff measures as well. "The United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. But in the meantime, our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. tariffs are withdrawn and not a moment sooner." Trump immediately fired back as well. He referred Trudeau as Governor Trudeau and further added that retaliatory tariffs from Canada will only result in another round of immediate reciprocal tariffs increased by the same amount. Mexico said the U.S. import taxes had no justification and pledged to give details on retaliatory measures during the weekend, vowing to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures. "Nobody wins with this decision. On the contrary, it affects the people we represent." China is also expected to levy "import taxes" of 10 to 15 percent on some U.S. goods, including American beef, dairy and agricultural products starting from March 10th. As the U.S. will be levying tariffs on crop purchases as well starting from April 2nd, this may further startle the world economy and escalate into a global trade war. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Trump says tariffs to go ahead as planned, target countries retaliate

2025/03/04 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. We start with a looming trade war as the U.S.' fresh tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports entering the American market took effect on Tuesday, as did additional levies against China. Ahn Sung-jin reports. U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico went into effect on March 4th, local time. Likewise, tariffs on China were doubled, to 20 percent on the same day. However, these countries issued immediate responses. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to respond, issuing a statement that said Beijing will take retaliatory measures with "import taxes" of 10 to 15 percent on some U.S. goods, including American beef, pork, dairy and agricultural products starting from March 10th. The statement also said that imposing tariffs is a "typical act of unilateralism and bullying." China also vowed to impose export control sanctions on some American companies for strategic items. Canada has also retaliated by immediately imposing 25 percent tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars or 20 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. imports, adding that more will be levied on another 86 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods within the next 21 days. In a written statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said these tariffs will continue until U.S. trade measures are withdrawn. These corresponding measures come as Trump again cited drug trafficking as a major reason for the import taxes. "No room left for Mexico or for Canada. No, the tariffs, you know they're all set." Trump, on his social media, further announced that the U.S. will be levying tariffs on crop purchases as well, starting from April 2nd. Fruit, vegetable and nut imports have been climbing, leading to an agriculture trade deficit in the U.S. As Trump continues to slap tariffs, the U.S. economy has been startled. U.S. stocks plunged on Monday, with the Nasdaq dropping by around 3 percent and the Dow Jones losing nearly 2 percent. Pundits say that as investment confidence has fallen following the tariff impositions, there are growing concerns for the U.S. market, especially regarding inflation. "I think the tariff scenario is definitively an inflationary aspect to what can happen within the economy, in the market. Right now, what I'm seeing and hearing is a little bit of a stagflation concern." The tariffs are raising concerns that tit-for-tat levies could eventually lead to a global trade war. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Train group tour visiting spots near DMZ offered marking 80th anniversary of liberation

2025/03/04 20:00

In other news. A special tour program took place this past weekend, offering a rare glimpse of civilians across the inter-Korean border and more. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung has details. Hundreds of people have gathered at Seoul Station, to visit strictly controlled tourist spots near the Demilitarized Zone. They are on group "DMZ Peace Train" tours offered by national railroad operator KORAIL's subsidiary, KORAIL Tourism Development, headed by Kwon Beack-shin, Gyeonggi-do Province and its cities of Gimpo and Paju, marking the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation. This limited one-day trip provides three courses, and one is visiting Gimpo. Going on a train itself gave them the journey's excitement, but scheduled events spiced things up. "In Gimpo, a coastal barbed-wire trail runs along the Hangang River, offering a unique experience of walking along the DMZ border. Also, visitors can experience local culture by trying coffee grounds using a Korean traditional millstone, setting it apart from other places." "There were guides leading everyone, so we could travel comfortably on schedule. We could also wear military uniforms on the train, and there were many other enjoyable activities." The pre-set itinerary offers a lot, but the most notable is a visit to the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo City. At Jogang Observatory, people can see North Korea's border county of Kaepung, just 1-point-4 kilometers across the Imjingang River. "Within this restricted military zone lies a branch of the iconic capitalist coffee brand Starbucks, which operates under strict security protocols. It has already attracted many visitors eager to get a rare glimpse of North Korean civilian villages." Coffee in hand, visitors can take a look at the villages, with some lucky enough to find North Koreans plowing and doing laundry in the spring. That is, however, not the only feature of Aegibong Park. "Although it is located within the Civilian Control Line, it opens at night once a month. About ten years ago, there was a steel tower where a Christmas lights ceremony was held every year. This no longer exists. but instead, we offer a unique trail that looks like a Christmas tree as a whole." An opportunity to witness the traces of a divided nation's history, and have a peek at North Korea from up close. The DMZ Peace Train program will continue this year, starting in mid-April. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gimpo.

China's 'Two Sessions' kicks off, with focus on countermeasures against U.S. tariffs

2025/03/04 20:00

In China, the country's biggest annual political event kicked off on Tuesday, against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions with the U.S. The "Two Sessions," which refers to annual meetings of the two key Chinese institutions: the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress, are closely observed by the outside world, as they offer a clue to the policy agenda for the world's second largest economy. Much of this year's discussion, that will take place until next Tuesday -- is expected to be focused on countermeasures against Trump's tariff war and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

[Politics & Diplomacy] Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House meeting debacle

2025/03/04 20:00

U.S. President Donald Trump continues upping his pressure on Ukraine, following last week's unprecedented public spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He now pauses military aid to the beleaguered country. For more on what the break could mean, we now turn to our correspondent, Kim Jung-sil, joining me here in the studio. Jung-sil, can you walk us through the latest on President Trump's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine? How did this decision come about? Jung-min, President Trump's decision to pause military assistance to Ukraine is raising significant concerns, not just in Ukraine but also across Europe. The suspension reportedly affects over $1 billion in arms and ammunition, which Kyiv heavily relies on to defend itself against Russia's ongoing attacks. This pause in U.S. military support comes at a critical time. Ukrainian forces are still locked in a battle with Russian troops, and without these supplies, their ability to continue resisting could be severely compromised. This move from Trump follows a particularly tense meeting at the White House on Friday between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders. Let's take a look at how it unfolded. "You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War 3. You're gambling with World War 3, and what you're doing is very disrespectful, disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have." "Have you said thank you once? In this entire meeting?" "A lot of times." "No, in this entire meeting, have you said thank you? Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country." This exchange clearly set the stage for Trump's subsequent announcement. Zelenskyy, after his visit to Washington, headed to London, where he made this comment, that reportedly upset officials in the U.S. "An agreement to end the war is still very, very far away, and no one has started all these steps yet." "He said he thinks the war's going to go on for a long time. And he better not be right about that. Maybe somebody doesn't want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn't want to make a deal, I think that person won't be around very long." Trump has been vocal about wanting to see an end to the war quickly, and suggested that Zelenskyy's resistance to peace talks could jeopardize his position. Experts warn that without U.S. support, Ukraine could lose access to advanced weaponry, which would significantly impact its defense capabilities. Jung-sil, how has Europe reacted to this? Jung-min, several European leaders, especially in France and Britain, have expressed strong support for Ukraine amid the fallout from this situation. Take a listen. "A staggering scene unfolded before the lenses of the entire world, marked by brutality, a desire to humiliate, with the goal of making Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fold through threats so that he gives in to the demands of his aggressors." "As you heard from the cheers on the street outside, you have the full backing of the United Kingdom. And we stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take." While European leaders continue to show strong support for Ukraine, experts are concerned that this rift between the U.S. and Ukraine could signal a significant break between the U.S. and its European allies. Former U.S. intelligence officer Angela Stent warned that such a divide could mark the beginning of a "U.S. exit from Europe." "Clearly, we've had a major U.S.-European break on all of this, something that I think the Russians in their wildest hopes wouldn't have dreamt of before." Meanwhile, Russia is closely monitoring this divide. Experts, including Professor Jeong Jae-won of Kookmin University, warn that Russia could exploit this situation to make further territorial gains in Ukraine, especially as peace talks remain stalled. "Russia will likely seek to solidify control over territories like Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, aiming to firmly establish them as part of its own." Experts argue that if the war ends this way, Russia could potentially gain additional territory without losing any of its own. Thank you, Jungsil, for that report.

S. Korea secures key trade dialogue with U.S. amid tariff concerns

2025/03/04 20:00

The Korean trade authorities say a communication channel is ready with the U.S. to discuss tariffs while the two sides seek to strengthen their cooperation on shipbuilding and energy. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. South Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun says his recent visit to the United States has established a key communication channel with the Trump administration to discuss tariffs and industrial cooperation, including shipbuilding and energy. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Ahn described this as a major achievement, allowing negotiations to take place in a way that best serves South Korea's interests. He likened the tariff talks to a "marathon," warning that new tariffs on industries such as semiconductors, bio-manufacturing, and automobiles could emerge at any time. During his visit, Ahn met with senior U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House Energy Adviser Doug Burgum. He confirmed that four working-level dialogue groups have been established on shipbuilding, energy, Alaska gas development, and non-tariff barriers, alongside separate channels with the U.S. Commerce Department, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the National Energy Council. With the U.S. set to expand tariffs on steel and aluminum starting next week and poised to introduce more, Ahn stressed that securing a fair competitive environment is crucial --saying South Korean firms will be able to adapt if they are not placed at a disadvantage compared to other countries. He also emphasized the need for consistent policy, highlighting the strong industrial ties between the two countries, and stated that Seoul is urging Washington to uphold commitments made to Korean companies under the previous administration such as the Inflation Reduction Act. On shipbuilding, Ahn said Washington views South Korea as a key partner in strengthening U.S. naval capabilities, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick expressing appreciation for Seoul's willingness to cooperate. Ahn further revealed that he had explored opportunities for South Korean participation in Alaska's gas development project, which has become a priority under President Trump's push for increased domestic oil and gas production. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

The fallout from U.S.-Ukraine summit and its global implications

2025/03/04 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The U.S.-Ukraine summit ended without progress, derailing what was seen as a crucial step toward a ceasefire. The collapse of the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement has not only stalled negotiations but has also deepened tensions between Washington and Kyiv. President Trump reportedly ordered a complete halt to U.S. military aid, fueling concerns that the war may become even more protracted. European leaders meanwhile are attempting to fill the diplomatic void, proposing a peace framework that includes a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war. However, questions remain about whether the U.S. will accept this proposal and how Moscow will react. To help us analyze these pressing issues, we invite Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Welcome. Also joining us online is Hannah Kim, Assistant Professor at Sogang University GSIS. Great to have you with us again. 1. (KIM) So Prof. Kim, on February 28, the summit between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents ended in failure. The U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, which was considered the first step toward a ceasefire, has now returned to square one. What was the decisive reason for the breakdown in talks between the two leaders? 2. (DAVIS) Now to Dr. Davis, following the meeting, President Zelenskyy has been working to manage the situation through media interviews. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ramped up pressure, even bringing up the possibility of a "regime change" in Ukraine. How likely is it that discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine will make any meaningful progress going forward? 3. (KIM) In response to the failed U.S.-Ukraine summit, world leaders held an emergency meeting on the 2nd to discuss follow-up measures. They announced plans to propose a peace negotiation framework to the U.S., including a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war. Prof. Kim, do you think the U.S. will accept this proposal? 4. (DAVIS) So with these developments concerns are growing over a prolonged war in Ukraine following the collapse of the summit. Adding to the concern, President Trump has reportedly ordered a temporary halt to U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Dr. Davis, how do you assess the future trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war? 5. (KIM) On the other hand, some speculate that the failure of the talks could shift the balance of power in the peace negotiations in Russia's favor. Prof. Kim, could the Trump administration push harder for a peace deal that aligns more with Russia's interests—such as blocking Ukraine's NATO membership and preventing territorial recovery? 6. (DAVIS) As President Trump focuses on improving relations with President Putin, the idea of strengthening Europe's self-reliant defense is gaining traction, regardless of whether a peace deal is reached. This stems from concerns that Russia's threat could grow with tacit U.S. approval. How do you view this development, Dr. Davis? 7. (KIM) Amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks, President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have placed emphasis on their close communication, including a recent phone call. What message does this China-Russia dialogue send, Prof. Kim? Additionally, how might the U.S.-Russia rapprochement impact the China-Russia relationship in the future? 8. (DAVIS) Meanwhile, Russia continues to strengthen its ties with North Korea. On Feb. 27, President Putin met with Ri Hi-yong, Secretary of North Korea's Workers' Party. Given that such a meeting was highly unusual, analysts suggest that critical issues were discussed. Dr. Davis, what do you think was on the agenda? 9. (DAVIS) A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces has reportedly expressed a clear intention to defect. However, some speculate that it may be difficult for South Korea to bring them in solely through bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. What are the possibilities and potential challenges surrounding the repatriation of the North Korean soldier? 10. (KIM) So the U.S.-Russia peace negotiations are interconnected with North Korea-Russia, North Korea-U.S., and South Korea-Russia relations, potentially causing further turbulence on the Korean Peninsula. Prof. Kim, how should South Korea strategize its response as Ukraine peace talks unfold?

U.S. senior APEC envoy visits S. Korea ahead of APEC summit

2025/03/04 17:00

A senior U.S. official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is scheduled to arrive here in South Korea tomorrow that is Wednesday. According to the U.S. State Department APEC Ambassador Matt Murray's week-long visit to Korea will include agendas in Seoul and the host city of this year's APEC Gyeongju . Murray is expected to engage with government officials and business leaders here to better align American and South Korean interests ahead of the annual gathering slated for this November under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow". South Korea's southern port city of Busan hosted the APEC summit back in 2005.

Trump reportedly pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House meeting debacle

2025/03/04 17:00

On the diplomatic front. U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a halt in American defense support of Ukraine following a dramatic exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last Friday. Our Kim Jung-sil has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a pause in all military aid to Ukraine just days after the heated confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Multiple U.S. media outlets reported on the decision on Monday local time, citing senior administration and military officials. "An agreement to end the war is still very, very far away, and no one has started all these steps yet." Trump, who is eager to bring an end to the conflict quickly, slammed the Ukrainian president's remarks shortly after. "I want to see it end fast. I don't want to see this go on for years and years. He said he thinks the war's going to go on for a long time. And he better not be right about that." Trump also suggested that if Zelenskyy continues to resist negotiations with Russia, his position may soon be in jeopardy. "Now, maybe somebody doesn't want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn't want to make a deal, I think that person won't be around very long." Trump's order reportedly halts over $1 billion in military aid, as he demanded Ukraine demonstrate a commitment to peace talks with Russia. He has repeatedly called on Zelenskyy to show more gratitude for U.S. aid, while European allies have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks. "Clearly, we've had a major U.S.-European break on all of this, something that I think the Russians in their wildest hopes wouldn't have dreamt of before." Stent warned that this could signal the beginning of a "U.S. exit from Europe." With the U.S. and European allies at odds, Russia's President Vladimir Putin may look to exploit the diplomatic divide to push for further territorial gains while peace efforts remain stalled. Meanwhile, French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, calling it an attempt to force Ukraine into agreeing to a deal with Russia under duress. This escalating situation has raised significant concerns about the future of the war, and the Western alliance. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

China's 'Two Sessions' opens Tuesday with focus on countermeasures against U.S. tariffs

2025/03/04 17:00

Meanwhile in China. The country is hosting its biggest annual political event against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions with the U.S. and a complex geopolitical landscape. Lee Seung-jae touches upon the potential issues on the agenda at the latest "TWO SESSIONS". On Tuesday, China begins its largest political event of the year with the annual plenary sessions of the National People's Congress and of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,.. collectively known as the "Two Sessions." Much of the discussion is expected to focus on countermeasures against Trump's tariff war. On top of the 10 percent tariff U.S. President Donald Trump initially imposed on China, another 10 percent tariff was added on top, as the U.S. leader felt that not enough was being done to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. This brings the combined tariff to 20 percent on Chinese imports since the start of the Trump administration. According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson last Friday, Beijing will seek necessary measures to "firmly safeguard" its interests. "The U.S. has once again threatened to impose additional tariffs on Chinese products exported to the United States under the pretext of the fentanyl issue. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this. We will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate interests. China has repeatedly stated that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States seriously violates WTO rules and harms the interests of both countries and the world." According to experts, China could respond to Trump's tariffs, by targeting American agricultural products and food. As China is a major importer of American agricultural products, such retaliatory measures would greatly affect American farmers and exporters alike. With the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opening the 'Two Sessions' on Tuesday, the top political advisory body will first discuss countermeasures against the tariffs. They're also set to discuss economic policies as the country sees an economic downturn. During the 'Two Sessions' an economic growth target of around five percent is expected to be announced, and a policy of replacing old consumer goods with new ones will be further expanded to increase domestic demand. A special national bond issuance is also expected to be used to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile, the National People's Congress on Wednesday is expected to present China's national administration direction. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Trump says tariffs to go ahead as planned, target countries retaliate

2025/03/04 17:00

And on the topic of tariffs. The 25-percent duty on Canadian and Mexican imports into the American market are going into effect on this Tuesday as are additional tariffs against China. Ahn Sung-jin reports. U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico went into effect on March 4th, local time. Likewise, tariffs on China were doubled, to 20 percent on the same day. However, these countries issued immediate responses. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to respond, issuing a statement that said Beijing will take retaliatory measures with "import taxes" of 10 to 15 percent on some U.S. goods, including American beef, pork, dairy and agricultural products starting from March 10th. The statement also said that imposing tariffs is a "typical act of unilateralism and bullying." China also vowed to impose export control sanctions on some American companies for strategic items. Canada has also retaliated by immediately imposing 25 percent tariffs on 30 billion Canadian dollars or 20 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. imports, adding that more will be levied on another 86 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods within the next 21 days. In a written statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said these tariffs will continue until U.S. trade measures are withdrawn. These corresponding measures come as Trump again cited drug trafficking as a major reason for the import taxes. "No room left for Mexico or for Canada. No, the tariffs, you know they're all set." Trump, on his social media, further announced that the U.S. will be levying tariffs on crop purchases as well, starting from April 2nd. Fruit, vegetable and nut imports have been climbing, leading to an agriculture trade deficit in the U.S. As Trump continues to slap tariffs, the U.S. economy has been startled. U.S. stocks plunged on Monday, with the Nasdaq dropping by around 3 percent and the Dow Jones losing nearly 2 percent. Pundits say that as investment confidence has fallen following the tariff impositions, there are growing concerns for the U.S. market, especially regarding inflation. "I think the tariff scenario is definitively an inflationary aspect to what can happen within the economy, in the market. Right now, what I'm seeing and hearing is a little bit of a stagflation concern." The tariffs are raising concerns that tit-for-tat levies could eventually lead to a global trade war. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

World News: Israeli drone fire kills two Palestinians in Gaza amid ceasefire deal deadlock

2025/03/04 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories around the globe. At least two people were killed by Israeli drone fire in Rafah, and three others were injured in Khan Younis on Monday, local time. This comes amid growing fears of renewed conflict after the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came to an end over the weekend. The initial ceasefire, which began in January, expired without an agreement on how to proceed. Hamas is demanding the immediate implementation of a second phase, calling for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel has proposed a temporary extension of the ceasefire until April, contingent on further hostage and prisoner exchanges. After negotiations to extend the ceasefire broke down Israel on Sunday, imposed a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off all supplies, including food and fuel, to the enclave. At least two people were killed and 11 others were injured in the western German city of Mannheim on Monday, local time when a car was driven into a crowd during a carnival celebration. Authorities have arrested the suspect, a 40-year-old German man, who is now under investigation for two counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. According to Mannheim prosecutors, the man shot himself following the attack but survived and is in a stable condition in hospital. They also said the attack did not appear to be politically or religiously motivated but suggested the suspect may have been mentally unstable. Police in Mannheim had been on high alert after a surge in violent incidents in Germany in recent months. In December, a similar car-ramming attack occurred in Magdeburg, followed by another in Munich last month. Pope Francis is back on a ventilator in a hospital in Rome after experiencing two episodes of acute respiratory distress on Monday. According to a Vatican official later the same day the pope's acute respiratory distress had stabilized and the 88-year-old pontiff was under "careful observation." Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14th due to a respiratory infection with pneumonia detected in both lungs. The latest setback means the pope will miss the procession and mass on Wednesday marking the first day of Lent. U.S. space company Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its uncrewed lunar lander, Blue Ghost, on the moon, becoming the second private company to successfully land on the moon. Blue Ghost, about the size of a compact car and equipped with four legs, carried 10 scientific payloads. It landed in the northeastern region of the moon in the early hours of Sunday, U.S. time. Firefly claims it is the first to achieve a "fully successful" soft landing. Previously, Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus lander last year, but it touched down at an angle, causing many of its onboard instruments to malfunction. Yoon Se-young, Arirang News

Train group tour visiting spots near DMZ offered marking 80th anniversary of liberation

2025/03/04 17:00

In other news. A special tour program took place this past weekend offering those interested a rare glimpse of civilians across the inter-Korean border and more. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyung has details. Hundreds of people have gathered at Seoul Station, to visit strictly controlled tourist spots near the Demilitarized Zone. They are on group "DMZ Peace Train" tours offered by national railroad operator KORAIL's subsidiary, KORAIL Tourism Development, headed by Kwon Beack-shin, Gyeonggi-do Province and its cities of Gimpo and Paju, marking the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation. This limited one-day trip provides three courses, and one is visiting Gimpo. Going on a train itself gave them the journey's excitement, but scheduled events spiced things up. "In Gimpo, a coastal barbed-wire trail runs along the Hangang River, offering a unique experience of walking along the DMZ border. Also, visitors can experience local culture by trying coffee grounds using a Korean traditional millstone, setting it apart from other places." "There were guides leading everyone, so we could travel comfortably on schedule. We could also wear military uniforms on the train, and there were many other enjoyable activities." The pre-set itinerary offers a lot, but the most notable is a visit to the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo City. At Jogang Observatory, people can see North Korea's border county of Kaepung, just 1-point-4 kilometers across the Imjingang River. "Within this restricted military zone lies a branch of the iconic capitalist coffee brand Starbucks, which operates under strict security protocols. It has already attracted many visitors eager to get a rare glimpse of North Korean civilian villages." Coffee in hand, visitors can take a look at the villages, with some lucky enough to find North Koreans plowing and doing laundry in the spring. That is, however, not the only feature of Aegibong Park. "Although it is located within the Civilian Control Line, it opens at night once a month. About ten years ago, there was a steel tower where a Christmas lights ceremony was held every year. This no longer exists. but instead, we offer a unique trail that looks like a Christmas tree as a whole." An opportunity to witness the traces of a divided nation's history, and have a peek at North Korea from up close. The DMZ Peace Train program will continue this year, starting in mid-April. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Gimpo.

Acting President Choi calls for nat'l unity amid opposition's boycott of joint consultative body

2025/03/04 17:00

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for unity on the national front as Korea faces a host of concerns amid the threat of U.S. tariffs and shifting global order. Remarks to this end were shared during a Cabinet meeting earlier on this Tuesday during which he urged the main opposition party to rejoin the multilateral talks with the government and ruling party on state affairs. The talks fall under the consultative body launched by the parliament and government amid the current political turmoil. Last week opposition lawmakers refused to partake in the talks citing acting President Choi's continued failure to appoint justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitution Court as recommended by the National Assembly. Now there has been a more recent development in this story. Ruling and opposition lawmakers have agreed to meet this coming Thursday afternoon for talks on state affairs in the absence of the government amid the ongoing conflict over the appointment of justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk .

SEOUL & TOKYO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF TIES

2025/03/04 17:00

Hello and welcome to this workweek's FIRST edition of Press Perspective as we here in Korea return from a long weekend to mark the March 1st Independence Movement Day. Today that is Tuesday March 4th we touch upon ties between Seoul and Tokyo as the two countries celebrate six decades of diplomatic relations this year. For more I have Koichi Yonemura the deputy foreign news editor at The Mainichi. Koichi it's been a while. Welcome back. I also have Professor Lim Eun-jung of International Relations at Kongju National University with the pundit's take on today's discussion. Professor Lim as always it's a pleasure. 1) Koichi, let's start with details of this survey by the Japanese Cabinet Office. 2) Koichi, the same survey showed the percentage of Japanese people who believe Tokyo and Seoul have good ties also rose over five percentage points to 51.2% What do you believe is behind this improvement? 3) Professor Lim, how does a shift in political landscape here in South Korea look to affect Seoul-Tokyo ties going forward? I mean some say a change in leadership from conservative to liberal may hamper advances in bilateral relations. Others believe Trump's protectionist policies may push Seoul and Tokyo closer together regardless of which political party gains power. What are your thoughts? 4) Koichi, speaking about Korea's political turmoil. A Hong Kong–based news website claims Japanese newspapers are voicing concern over the deepening political divide in South Korea, fearing that North Korea may seek to take advantage of the polarization. Do tell us more. 5) Professor Lim, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya become the first top diplomat to visit South Korea in January amid the country's political turmoil, and both he and Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul shared hopes for a trilateral meeting with China in the near future. Again, what are the PROSPECTS of productive ties among these three East Asian countries amid the current changes in the global geopolitical landscape, and what would be the GAINS of active trilateral interactions? 6) Koichi, Tokyo hosted a trilateral secretariat meeting among South Korea, Japan and the U.S. last Thursday. What was the gist of that gathering? 7) Professor Lim, what are your prospects with regard to the trilateral partnership among South Korea, Japan and the U.S. under the Trump administration? 8) Meanwhile Koichi, on a light note beyond politics and diplomacy. A host of joint productions between South Korea and Japan are showing on Netflix this year including a food show and a drama series as well as movies for the big screen. Do you see these efforts on the entertainment front encouraging constructive interaction between the two countries on security and trade? All right.