UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
South Korea is pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for a $350 billion upfront investment as part of a trade deal to reduce tariffs. According to Seoul’s top national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, such a massive cash outlay is unrealistic and could plunge Asia’s fourth-largest economy into a financial crisis.
The dispute stems from a July agreement between Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to lower U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%. In exchange, South Korea pledged $350 billion toward U.S. projects. However, Seoul clarified that the funds were never intended as an immediate cash payment but rather structured through loans, guarantees, and equity investments.
Trump has recently insisted that the amount must be provided “upfront,” touting the supposed inflow of funds from trade partners. He even compared South Korea’s contribution to Japan’s $550 billion commitment. South Korea, however, has resisted Washington’s push for direct control over the funds, creating a deadlock in negotiations.
President Lee highlighted the risks of such an upfront payment, noting that South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $410 billion. Without safeguards like a currency swap with the U.S., he warned, the country could face a severe economic crisis if forced to provide cash immediately.
Wi emphasized that Seoul’s stance is not a negotiating tactic but a reflection of financial reality. He confirmed that South Korea is working on alternative proposals and aims to finalize a trade deal with the United States during the upcoming APEC summit, which Trump is expected to attend.
The issue underscores the strain in U.S.-South Korea trade relations, as both allies seek to balance economic cooperation with financial stability. For Seoul, the priority is securing an arrangement that supports investment while avoiding a liquidity crisis that could destabilize its economy.
