韩国终于翻脸！说好的3500亿保护费，现在对美一分不给

Core Viewpoint - The unexpected refusal of the South Korean government to pay $350 billion in agreed investments to the U.S. has significant implications for U.S.-South Korea relations and highlights a shift in South Korea's diplomatic stance towards a more autonomous foreign policy [1][6][10]. Group 1: Economic Concerns - South Korea's foreign exchange reserves total approximately $415 billion, and paying $350 billion would deplete 85% of these reserves, posing a severe risk to national economic security [3][4]. - The painful lessons from the 1997 Asian financial crisis still resonate in South Korea, leading the government to prioritize economic stability over external pressures [3][4]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - The Lee Jae-myung administration's shift towards "autonomous diplomacy" reflects a response to domestic dissatisfaction with previous pro-U.S. policies, aiming to balance relations between the U.S. and China [6][12]. - Public support for the government's refusal to pay the investment is strong, with over 60% of citizens backing the decision as a means to protect national economic interests [12]. Group 3: Regional Implications - China's firm stance against U.S. tariffs has provided a model for South Korea, demonstrating that resistance to U.S. pressure is feasible and potentially beneficial [8][13]. - The evolving dynamics in East Asia, with South Korea asserting more independence, may encourage other nations facing similar pressures to reassess their positions [10][15]. Group 4: Future Negotiations - Ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea are stalled, with the U.S. proposing installment payments while South Korea insists on linking investments to domestic industry development [14]. - The deadlock in negotiations reflects a broader trend of U.S. unilateralism pushing traditional allies towards more independent choices [14][15].