Turning 70, South Korea-U.S. alliance expands scope, defies frictions

The South Korea-U.S. alliance, which marks its 70th birthday on July 27, has delivered significant dividends for both parties, but is also facing new frictions on both the strategic and economic fronts against the backdrop of a rising China.

The alliance — its past, present and uncertain future — were under the microscope at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity Thursday, a global conference set on the resort island off South Korea’s southern coast.

Calling it “an alliance of shared values,” U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg said it...