Will US midterm result affect Pacific policy?

While the Democrats’ unexpected strong performance in the November 8 midterm elections allowed them to retain control of the U.S. Senate, the Republican party eked out a slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, returning Washington to its usual makeup-divided government.

These developments have taken place as the world faces additional tensions with a progressively belligerent North Korea and as Xi Jinping consolidates power upon being awarded an unprecedented third term as president at October’s 20th Party Congress.

As Kim and Xi adopt increasingly aggressive foreign policies, the question arises, what does the new divided U.S. government and Republican control of the House of Representatives mean for America’s relations with South Korea?

Simply put, both Congressional Republicans and Democrats are pivoting to the Indo-Pacific to counter Pyongyang and Beijing, and they are looking to partner with Seoul, Tokyo and other like-minded partners with these endeavours.

Like their Democratic counterparts, Congressional Republicans are committed to America’s responsibilities under the U.S.-Republic of Korea mutual defense treaty, the U.S.-Japan Security alliance and towards helping Taiwan defend itself.

Congressional Republicans and Democrats also recognize that threats to Taiwan’s security endangers South Korea and Japan and that America’s credibility will be ruined if it fails to support Taiwan in its time of need.

The same is true regarding the Korean peninsula. The new GOP-led House of Representatives will share the concerns of their Democrat colleagues about both Kim’s and Xi’s track records which have included increased repression at home as well as pressure campaigns against their neighbours.