Trump won't stop China taking Taiwan, but will he stop China taking Korea?

Trump has a unique talent for turning strong alliances into strained ones, and South Korea is no exception…

If there’s one thing South Korea has been able to count on (or not shake off) for decades, it’s the United States. The alliance between the two countries weathered wars, economic crises, and the perpetual threat posed by North Korea. But the alliance is not as ironclad as those in Washington want to believe.

There’s always been a broad disagreement underneath the surface. Some view the U.S. as a vital partner, not just for security but for economic and cultural ties. American troops stationed on the peninsula symbolize a steadfast commitment to keeping the peace, and initiatives like recent trilateral summits with Japan have reinforced South Korea’s confidence in its relationship with the U.S. Others question this position. They argue the U.S. has always been an oppressor that supported authoritarian governments, imposed American economic governance and controlled Seoul’s foreign policy. But these extreme conservative and progressive views are today a feature of older generations.

Young…