韩国也签了，特朗普发现扎心事实：绕开中国，全是“顺风局”

Core Viewpoint - South Korea has signed a new trade agreement with the United States under pressure, indicating a shift in strategy to avoid China and maintain a competitive edge in global trade [1][3]. Trade Agreement Details - The agreement includes a 15% tariff imposed by the U.S. on South Korean goods, while South Korea commits to opening its market for more U.S. products, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors [3]. - South Korea is required to invest $350 billion in "controllable" funds in the U.S. and purchase $100 billion worth of energy products, mainly natural gas [3]. - Unlike agreements with Japan and the EU, the U.S. tariff is based on a "reciprocal tariff" framework, and South Korea is explicitly prohibited from retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods [3]. Political Context - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who campaigned on a pro-China platform, faces significant domestic opposition due to the trade agreement, as it contradicts his earlier promises to improve relations with China [5]. - The decision to negotiate with the U.S. was influenced by the geopolitical situation, including the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea and the unstable inter-Korean relations [7]. Strategic Implications - The U.S. has recognized that bypassing China allows it to gain more leverage in global trade, as evidenced by the recent agreements with South Korea, Japan, and the EU [9][11]. - Following the agreement with South Korea, the U.S. has begun to exert pressure on India, demanding a 25% tariff and imposing additional sanctions related to military cooperation with Russia [11].