Hong Joon-pyo, former mayor of Daegu, harshly criticizes the conclusion of the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations.
Hong Joon-pyo, the former mayor of Daegu, has raised strong criticisms regarding the recently concluded Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations.
On the 31st of last month, Hong took to his Facebook to criticize the current government's stance, stating, “While opposing the zero-tariff policy of the Korea-U.S. FTA (Free Trade Agreement), they smugly boast about a 15% tariff negotiation.”
In particular, Hong recalled the circumstances during the push for the Korea-U.S. FTA, saying, “When I was the leader of the ruling party in October 2011 and was promoting the Korea-U.S. FTA, there were those who created rumors about mad cow disease to incite the public against me, calling me a traitor to the nation.” He reminded everyone of the opposing public sentiment at that time.
He pointed out the contradictory attitudes of those who opposed the Korea-U.S. FTA in the past, noting, “The U.S. does not consume beef from cattle older than 30 months. Where did the celebrity who would rather eat cyanide than eat American beef go?”
Contradictory attitudes of the past oppponents of the Korea-U.S. FTA.
Concerns about changes in the global trade environment and warnings of neo-imperialism.
Hong also expressed concerns about the current international trade environment.
He lamented, “The entire world is suffering from Trump’s tariff policies,” emphasizing the seriousness of changes in the global trade order.
Additionally, he pointed out, “The global situation is characterized by the disappearance of alliances and free trade, with a rampant neo-imperialism driven only by the survival of the fittest and national interests,” alerting everyone to the changing international order.
In particular, Hong analyzed the current situation from a historical perspective. He mentioned, “Recently, I have been re-reading Paul Kennedy's book, *The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers,* and I am curious about his thoughts on how long the U.S. will maintain its status as a hegemonic power after witnessing the fall of Persia, the Roman Empire, the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire, and the Soviet Union.”
Image source: News1
