Han Dong-hoon, a candidate for the People Power Party presidential primary, outlined a diplomatic and trade strategy focused on the establishment of the "Economic NATO (New Alliance for Trade and Opportunity)" on the 24th. The plan aims to build an alliance to jointly respond to national economic coercion and overcome the crisis of trade hegemony war emanating from the United States.
On this day, Han noted, "I will inject growth momentum into South Korea through practical foreign trade policies centered on national interests," as he announced a policy vision of this nature.
Han set forth a vision for a policy on the Korean Peninsula that turns "crisis into opportunity" in the field of diplomacy, proposing main policies such as establishing an alliance identity that resonates with and is supported by the citizens of South Korea and the United States, creating a virtuous cycle of dialogue between North Korea and the South for denuclearization, strengthening strategic cooperation with neighboring countries such as a mutually prosperous South Korea-Japan relationship, a relationship based on mutual respect with China, and a peace-promoting relationship with Russia, and contributing to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through an upgraded Indo-Pacific strategy.
In terms of trade strategy, he stated, "There is a card to overcome the strong wave of protectionism in Trump’s second term" and noted that he would push for the establishment of the Economic NATO to respond to the global trade war. The plan is to build a joint response system with countries that participate in this effort to counter economic coercion and maximize the synergy of trade cooperation.
Additionally, he presented as policy pledges: strategic negotiations prioritizing national interests, protection of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are a pillar of our exports, and prevention of industrial hollowing out and promotion of advanced industries.
Han emphasized, "I will continue to strive for free trade and not be mired in the global trade conflict structure like the U.S.-China conflict," adding that he would protect South Korea's free trade, which has thrived on exports, by maintaining stable supply chains and lowering trade barriers.
Regarding "nuclear diplomacy," he stated, "I will ensure that there are no obstacles to our peaceful nuclear activities, including enrichment and reprocessing." This is interpreted as a suggestion to promote the revision of the South Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement.
During his time as the leader of the People Power Party, he noted, "The government should be sufficiently prepared at the level of flexible ideas that include revising the South Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement to secure enrichment and reprocessing technology when necessary."
He has also expressed a negative stance on the "nuclear armament theory" raised by some within the party, saying, "At this stage, moving toward nuclear armament would lead to major sanctions from the international community."
Han also emphasized, "I will transform South Korea into a leading global nuclear power by expanding nuclear power exports and taking the lead in nuclear diplomacy."