(LEAD) (Yonhap Interview) U.S. commitment to alliance with Korea won't change no matter what happens in election: senator

(ATTN: CORRECTS abbreviation for Mississippi in para 2)
By Chang Jae-soon and Roh Hyo-dong

WASHINGTON, May 6 (Yonhap) -- The United States will remain firmly committed to the alliance with South Korea "no matter what happens" during the presidential election, a ranking Republican senator said Thursday.

Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made the remark in an email interview with Yonhap News Agency as concerns grow in South Korea that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, if elected, could upset the alliance.

"The U.S. political system spreads power across three branches of government in a way that enables stability over time," Cochran said. "I feel confident that no matter what happens during this election cycle, the United States will continue to be committed to a strong friendship with the Republic of Korea and its people."

Cochran is a top Republican leader in the Senate, and his remarks are seen as reflecting the view of the party's leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Trump's campaign has unnerved foreign countries, especially such allies as South Korea and Japan, as he has displayed deeply negative views of U.S. security commitments overseas, contending the U.S. should stop being the policeman of the world.

In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, Trump said that South Korea should shoulder all costs for the upkeep of 28,500 American troops stationed in the country and the U.S. should "walk" unless Seoul agrees to do so in an apparent threat to withdraw the troops.

South Korea currently pays about half the costs, about US$900 million a year, to help finance the troop presence, and U.S. officials, including new U.S. Forces Korea Commander Vincent Brooks, said it would cost more to keep those troops stationed in the U.S. than it does in Korea.

Trump has also been strongly critical of free trade agreements the U.S. has forged with foreign countries. That has sparked concern that, if elected, he could seek to break or renegotiate the landmark free trade deal with South Korea.

"The U.S. Senate supports the United States' long-standing commitment to a strong relationship with the Republic of Korea and the region, both militarily and economically," Cochran said, adding that the alliance is "vital to stability in the Asia-Pacific region."

"Our nations also benefit mutually from strong economic ties. The agricultural sector, which is the leading industry in Mississippi, has benefited greatly from the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement," the senator said.

Cochran also said that the U.S. must continue to "honor its commitments to our allies throughout the region, especially South Korea" and that he's "appreciative of South Korea’s investments in its national defense and the support it provides to the U.S. military."

The senator also dismissed Trump's suggestion that South Korea and Japan could be allowed to develop nuclear weapons for self-defense, warning that nuclear proliferation is "a very serious matter that can affect people across the globe."

"Serious thought and debate must occur prior to any further proliferation. The United States remains committed to providing military support to help fortify South Korea's ability to defend itself," he said.

Cochran also expressed support for the potential deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system to the South, saying it is important that the U.S. "helps its allies, including supporting them with advanced missile defense systems."

jschang@yna.co.kr
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