Asian Leadership Conference held at Shilla Hotel in Seoul on May 22, 2024. Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the House in the United States, speaking about U.S. politics. / Reporter Kim Ji-ho
“South Korea will be at the center in an era of extreme uncertainty like today.”
Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the House in the United States, spoke at the Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) held at Shilla Hotel in Seoul on May 22, saying, “In the face of challenges from Iran, China, Russia, etc., close cooperation between South Korea and the United States is needed as global democratic leaders must exert greater influence.” McCarthy, who served nine terms as a congressman and held the position of Speaker of the House in January of last year, spoke at a session titled ‘U.S. Politics: Insights from the ‘9th Tier of Politics” in a conversation format with Yonsei University Professor Jeong Hoon Lee.
Referring to his connection with South Korea, McCarthy mentioned that this visit marked his third to the country. He recalled a legislative session attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, “It was an honor for other countries’ leaders to visit the House. It showed respect from the United States towards leaders of other countries.” He also shared anecdotes from a state dinner where President Yoon enthusiastically called out ‘American Pie,’ setting a warm atmosphere.
Discussing the bond between South Korea and the United States, McCarthy stated, “I believe there is a special bond between South Korea and the United States. Many American troops have served and shed blood in Korea for freedom. Such a special relationship is very rare.”
McCarthy strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, currently engaged in the Ukraine war, comparing him to Hitler and emphasizing the need for Western nations to provide support to Ukraine. He stressed the importance of offering strong defensive weapons to Ukraine without the need for military deployment.
Regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, McCarthy criticized the Biden administration, stating that had they properly adhered to the Abraham Accords, the war would not have occurred. He also mentioned the significance of dismantling Hamas for the safety of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the group’s terrorist actions that target civilians.
Discussing the relationship between China and Taiwan, McCarthy talked about the importance of democracy prevailing. He emphasized the need for the United States to provide weapons to Taiwan to defend against a potential Chinese invasion and mentioned his recent meeting with former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen last April in California.
Regarding the dilemma the United States faces in dealing with the competition from China, McCarthy noted that the U.S. has never engaged in war with a major power and highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law in countering any unfair practices.
In response to a question about the potential impact of a victory by former President Trump in the upcoming November U.S. election, McCarthy emphasized that regardless of changes in U.S. political landscape, the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea will remain strong and vital.
McCarthy also stressed the importance of the United States actively engaging in international affairs as a global leader, stating that silence would only lead to continued human rights violations.
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