Andy Kim: 'Opposed to Retaliatory Measures Against Allies'

U.S. Senator Andy Kim on the 25th (local time) strongly opposed retaliatory actions against allies amid concerns of strategic dispersion in Asia.

Senator Kim stated that the conflict in Iran is diverting U.S. strategic interests and resources in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. He called the situation, where some missile defense (MD) system components are being withdrawn from the Korean Peninsula, "highly surprising and concerning." The U.S. is reportedly redeploying some of its air defense assets, including Patriot (PAC-3) and THAAD, from U.S. Forces Korea to the Middle East.

Kim also noted that the situation with Iran has impacted the schedule of U.S.-China summits. He analyzed that North Korea's Kim Jong Un may seek to justify maintaining nuclear weapons capabilities as a defensive measure by observing U.S. actions toward Iran.

Furthermore, Kim expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's China diplomacy policy, pointing out that Trump could sacrifice Taiwan in dealings with China, which could also apply to U.S. allies and partners in Asia.

Specifically, Kim strongly criticized President Trump's remarks pressuring allies regarding deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated, "President Trump should be ashamed of such remarks," emphasizing, "I will clearly oppose any further threats or retaliatory measures against allies and partners." Kim criticized the Trump administration for harassing South Korea using other measures like tariffs, arguing that this is not a partnership based on respect, but rather on coercion.

He added that he is working to ensure better ROK-U.S. relations and is building bipartisan support, including with Republican senators who share similar views.