SEOUL (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump insisted South Korea will provide billions of dollars in investments “upfront”, despite Seoul’s assertion that it would suffer a financial crisis if it meets the U.S. demands without safeguards.

In July, South Korea pledged $350 billion toward U.S. projects, but has balked at U.S. demands for control over the funds and South Korean officials say talks to formalise their trade deal are at a deadlock.

Earlier this month, Trump formalised a trade deal with Japan, lowering tariffs on Japanese automobile imports and other products in return for $550 billion of Japanese investment in U.S. projects, and U.S. officials have pressed Seoul to follow suit.

“We have in Japan it’s $550 billion, South Korea’s $350 billion. That’s upfront,” Trump told repor

See Full Page