Biden kicks off Asia trip with Samsung tour in South Korea to solidify trade ties

President Biden pledged Friday to bring the U.S.-South Korea relationship to “greater heights” as he kicked off an East Asia swing at a semiconductor manufacturer owned by Samsung, a company investing billions in the U.S.

Mr. Biden said Samsung’s construction of a new plant in Texas is emblematic of a technology alliance that will help both countries remain competitive in an ever-changing world. He also said it will help their nations become less reliant on countries that “don’t share our values.”

“These little chips, only a few nanometers thick, are the key to propelling us into humanity’s technological development,” Mr. Biden said after a tour of Samsung’s Semiconductor Pyeongtaek Campus. “This is an auspicious start to my visit because it’s emblematic of our future cooperation and innovation that our nations can and must build together.”

Newly inaugurated South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said chips will be essential for self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence, meaning they are key to any nation’s competitiveness.

“I believe that semiconductors are national security assets for our future,” Mr. Yoon said, adding he appreciates Mr. Biden providing incentives for South Korean companies in the U.S.