The US vice President Mike Pence is on a ten days geopolitical tour in Asia to assure the US alliances of the United States’ commitment to the securities and stabilities in the region. During his visit to South Korea, Mr. Pence said that the United States would review and reform the current trade deal with South Korea as there are too many barriers right now. He said, “We have to be honest about where our trade relationship is falling short…….Our businesses continue to face too many barriers to entry, which tilts the playing field against American workers.” He added that America needs to level that playing field and suggested to the American and Korean business leaders that the Trump administration will work with them as the deal is reformed in the days ahead.

The current trade pact was negotiated during the Bush administration. In 2016, South Korea enjoyed at $27.7 billion trade surplus with the United States. The Korean won’t mind a change in the playing field if the United States maintain its security promises to South Korea.