(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Feb. 16)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stolen the limelight with his recent seemingly "hostile" remarks on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Trump said he would "encourage" Russia to "do what the hell they want to delinquent NATO members if they fail to meet their commitments for defense spending." The comments Trump made during his campaign rally in South Carolina last Saturday irritated European Union member states. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shot back at Trump's remarks by describing them as "irresponsible and dangerous." The alliance's "promise of protection applies unreservedly - all for one, one for all," said Scholz in Berlin last Sunday. U.S. President Joe Biden also hit back at Trump, dubbing his remark "dumb," "shameful," "dangerous" and "un-American." "He doesn't understand that NATO is built on fundamental principles of freedom, security and national sovereignty because for Trump, principles never matter," Biden said in a speech on Tuesday. Trump's comments are also stoking anx iety regarding their implications over the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. If he wins the November presidential election, that stance will have significant implications for Northeast Asia as well as Europe. John Kelly, who served as White House chief of staff, said Trump had opposed stationing U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan as a deterrent against potential aggression. A victorious Trump will likely call on Seoul to to contribute more to defense costs. Moreover, a prospective Trump 2.0 administration is expected to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power in exchange for the North's agreement to halt its nuclear buildup programs. Concerned about Trump's hawkish stance, an increasing number of EU nations are bolstering their military postures, anticipating a potential security vacuum in the event of a withdrawal of U.S. forces. For starters, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to spend 413 billion euros (US$443 billion) to increase the production of weapons and build up the country's de fense industry by 2030. The United Kingdom is also poised to invest 50 billion pounds to fortify its military capabilities. Sweden and Finland also plan to increase the defense budget by 28 percent and 5 percent, respectively, for this year. Alliances are based on mutually beneficial relations. For South Korea, it is not a charity project offered by the U.S. Through the global alliance networks, the U.S. has the potential to maintain its leading role in the international community, earning enormous benefits militarily, economically and politically. Major U.S. allies such as South Korea, Japan and the EU have been shouldering substantial responsibilities, including defense costs, logistical support, and maintaining military bases. It is worrying that Trump has disregarded these factors, focusing solely on winning the hearts of his supporters. He has been taking flak for exploiting the grievances and anger of his supporters for his own political gain, while simultaneously increasing threats against longstandi ng U.S. allies. As political divisions in the U.S. deepen and protectionist sentiments rise, the likelihood of Trump's victory is growing. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should fully prepare for the possible fluctuation in the security situation on the Korean Peninsula in case Trump wins. On Monday, the defense ministries of South Korea and the United States signed a framework document on the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), in efforts to prepare for the potential return of Trump to power. It was an attempt to speed up the full implementation of the previous nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries. Yet the move is not enough and falls short of preparing for Trump's return. It is high time for the Yoon administration to map out specific measures in the event of a Trump win. It needs to closely consult with other allies while mitigating its heavy reliance on the U.S. only. In this vein, it is necessary to mend ties with neighboring countries such as China and Russia, as well as North Korea . Source: Yonhap News Agency