FM says U.S.-led chip alliance not designed to exclude China

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Aug. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top diplomat said Monday the United States has noted the importance of the Chinese market and its understanding of "close economic ties" between the South and China, as Seoul faces a tricky decision over whether to join a U.S.-proposed chip alliance.

Foreign Minister Park Jin made the remarks during a parliamentary session amid worries that South Korea's entry into the alliance, known as Chip 4, could cause friction with China, its largest trading partner, should it develop into an exclusive grouping against the Asian power.

"The U.S. also explained that the Chinese market, its third largest trading partner, is important," Park told lawmakers. "The U.S. understands South Korea has close economic relations with China."

Park reiterated that the alliance, also involving Japan and Taiwan, is a cooperative platform aimed at building resilient semiconductor supply chains.

Washington's call to join the grouping has been posing a diplomatic dilemma to Seoul as it has been navigating increasingly convoluted geopolitics marked by a hardening Sino-U.S. rivalry.

About 60 percent of South Korea's chips were exported to China last year, while major manufacturers, such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, rely on U.S. chip design and manufacturing equipment.

He said the Seoul government will push for cooperation with the major semiconductor players in areas of professional training, research and development and diversifying supply chains and make diplomatic efforts to relay its stance to China to prevent misunderstanding over the issue.

"(Chip 4) focuses on boosting cooperation for development of the industry, and it is not designed to exclude China," Park added.

Experts worry Seoul's joining the Chip 4 alliance could draw a strong reaction from Beijing, like its apparent economic retaliation following the installation of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system here in 2017.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)