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Possible changes from U.S. presidential election

Posted July. 30, 2016 07:12,   

Updated July. 30, 2016 07:18

한국어

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stressed Thursday cooperation with allies and protective trade at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her philosophy based on globalism contrasts with Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, who claims Americanism that puts priority on the U.S and the adjustment of allies. However, both candidates want to strengthen protectionism to keep Americans’ jobs, though they might be slightly different. Whoever wins, the next U.S. president will bring about a major change in policies on Korea.

Clinton did not directly mention North Korea’s nuclear issue and the Korea-U.S. free trade deal in her acceptance speech. She said, however, “You want a leader who understands we are stronger when we work with our allies around the world,” indicating that she would cope with global threats with allies. The Democratic Party defined in its party platform, “North Korea is perhaps the most repressive regime on the planet, run by a sadistic dictator. Democrats will sharpen the choices for Pyongyang to compel it to abandon its illegal nuclear and missile programs.” Even if Democrats win, unless North Korea changes its stance, the North Korean-U.S. relationship will very unlikely improve as it was under the Bill Clinton administration.

Clinton said, “If you believe that we should say ‘no’ to unfair trade deals, we should stand up to China.” As Clinton has criticized China’s unfair trade practices and manipulation of its currency, her election might increase trade conflicts with China. As she initiated the Asia-rebalancing policy checking China, Beijing would be nervous. As she said she supports bilateral trade pacts such as NAFTA and KOR-US FTA, she is expected to make Korea a little bit more relieved than Trump.

If the first female presidential candidate in U.S. history to enter the White House, she needs to overcome her high unfavorable rating. After the Republican National Convention, a survey showed that Trump led Clinton in approval rating. Although the election of Clinton who knows better about the Korean Peninsula than Trump could lead to minor changes in our policy, she would be different from President Barack Obama as she would follow Americans’ hearts and minds. Who will be the next U.S. president is also a major factor to the Korean Peninsula.



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