OPINION:
As the United States navigates an increasingly complex international landscape, it is imperative that we continue to reinforce partnerships with key allies. Our future prosperity and national security require strong, enduring partnerships with our partners in the Indo-Pacific.
When it comes to energy security and reliability for the United States, Alaska stands uniquely poised to serve as a linchpin in strengthening U.S.-Korea ties.
Earlier this year, I joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to advance dialogue on energy, trade, and security. In Seoul, our conversations with Korean officials were focused on both the opportunities and the urgency of deepening our economic and strategic collaboration.
South Korea, as the world’s third-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is actively seeking reliable, long-term energy solutions to diversify away from adversarial suppliers. Alaska’s LNG project offers a historic opportunity to meet these needs, fortify our alliances, and bolster American national security.
Alaska’s LNG project, a $44 billion endeavor to build an 800-mile pipeline from the North Slope to export terminals, is both a strategic energy project and an important tool for stronger diplomacy. With the capacity to deliver 20 million tons of LNG annually and reach global markets by 2030, it offers our allies in Asia a dependable alternative to energy sources dominated by geopolitical rivals. By supplying Korea with clean, American-produced LNG, we can reduce its dependence on adversarial nations and ensure energy flows remain uninterrupted even in times of global tension.
This isn’t theoretical. Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ahn Duk-geun, recently affirmed his country’s intention to pursue cooperation with Alaska on the pipeline project. This partnership would unlock immense potential for both nations: for Korea, energy stability and growth; for the U.S., increased investment, job creation, and deeper relationships in the Indo-Pacific.
Alaska’s geographic proximity to Asia provides a critical logistical advantage. Our shipping routes to Korea are shorter and more secure than other global suppliers, making Alaska the ideal partner for Korea’s long-term energy needs. As President Donald Trump’s executive order to lift restrictions on Alaska’s resource-rich areas has shown, the U.S. is committed to unleashing our energy potential. We must now translate that commitment into action by ensuring Korea has every reason to invest in and benefit from this transformative infrastructure investment.
But the importance of this partnership extends beyond energy economics. It is about reinforcing the very fabric of our alliance. Energy security is national security. A Korea reliant on stable U.S. energy supplies is a Korea less vulnerable to coercion from malign actors in the region. In turn, this allows both nations to focus on advancing shared democratic values, technological innovation, and mutual prosperity.
Alaska LNG also opens doors for collaboration on critical minerals and high-tech supply chains.
Historically, there has been little awareness that Alaska holds significant deposits of gallium, germanium, and graphite resources vital to semiconductors and renewable technologies. By linking these resources to Korea’s world-class manufacturing sector, we can build resilient supply chains that are less susceptible to external disruption.
There is a window of opportunity to act. Taiwan has already signed a letter of intent to purchase 6 million metric tons of Alaskan LNG, recognizing the project’s promise. Korea’s leadership now faces a choice: to step boldly into a partnership that promises energy security and economic growth or risk being left behind as others secure access to Alaska’s abundant resources.
The time is now to invest and strengthen a U.S.-Korea alliance to unleash prosperity on both sides of the ocean. Alaska is ready.
• Rep. Nick Begich was sworn into Congress on Jan. 3, 2025. Nick’s goal in Congress is to make sure Alaskans succeed. He is a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, where he serves as vice chair of the Energy & Mineral Resources Subcommittee.
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