Learn Korean: Winning Without Negotiation?

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Korean Reading Practice

협상 않고 버틴 중국·캐나다가 승자?‥동맹만 후려친 '...

Date: February 24, 2026

Introduction

This reading material discusses the recent trade disputes between the United States and its allies, such as China and Canada. It examines how some countries that refused to quickly negotiate with the US have ended up in a better position compared to allies that actively cooperated with the US.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
협상 hyeopsang negotiation 그들은 협상을 거부했습니다.They refused to negotiate.
버티다 beotida to withstand, to hold out 중국과 캐나다가 버텨냈습니다.China and Canada held out.
동맹 dongmaeng ally 동맹국들이 더 큰 손해를 보고 있습니다.The allies are suffering greater losses.
관세 gwanse tariff 관세 인상으로 피해를 보고 있습니다.They are suffering losses from the tariff increase.
무역 불균형 muyeok bulgyuneng trade imbalance 무역 불균형을 해소하려고 노력했습니다.They tried to resolve the trade imbalance.
반발 banbal opposition, backlash 유럽연합이 반발했습니다.The European Union expressed opposition.
협의 hyeopui consultation, discussion 영국은 미국과 협의하고 있습니다.The UK is consulting with the US.
제동 jedong braking, restraint 이번 판결로 제동이 걸렸습니다.This ruling has put a brake on it.
반도체 bandoche semiconductor 반도체가 필요한 미국 기업들이 반발했습니다.US companies that need semiconductors expressed opposition.
위반 wiban violation 새로운 관세가 무역합의를 위반했다고 주장했습니다.They claimed the new tariffs violated the trade agreement.

Reading Text

지난해부터 미국과 관세 협상에 적극적으로 나섰던 동맹국들이 도리어 더 큰 손해를 보고 있습니다. 반면 협상을 거부하고 버텨낸 중국과 캐나다는 상대적으로 유리한 위치에 있습니다.

The allies that actively engaged in tariff negotiations with the US since last year are actually suffering greater losses. In contrast, China and Canada, who refused to negotiate and held out, are in a relatively advantageous position.

미국은 무역 불균형을 해소하려고 노력했지만, 이번 판결로 트럼프가 휘둘러온 상호관세라는 무기에는 제동이 걸렸습니다. 하지만 반도체를 가장 필요로 하는 미국 기업들의 반발에 부딪혀 쉽지는 않을 것으로 보입니다.

The US tried to resolve the trade imbalance, but this ruling has put a brake on the reciprocal tariffs that Trump had wielded as a weapon. However, it is not expected to be easy as it faces opposition from US companies that need semiconductors the most.

유럽연합은 새로운 관세가 무역합의를 위반했다고 반발했고, 영국도 불리한 상황이 되지 않도록 미국과 협의하고 있다고 강조했습니다. 이처럼 미국과 협력했던 동맹국들이 오히려 손해를 보고 있는 상황입니다.

The European Union expressed opposition, claiming that the new tariffs violated the trade agreement. The UK also emphasized that it is consulting with the US to avoid an unfavorable situation. In this way, the allies that cooperated with the US are actually suffering losses.

Grammar Points

-(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) whereas / on the other hand

Used to contrast two opposing situations: 'whereas' or 'on the other hand'. Attaches to a verb/adjective stem.

📖 반면 협상을 거부하고 버텨낸 중국과 캐나다는 상대적으로 유리한 위치에 있습니다. On the other hand, China and Canada, who refused negotiations and held out, are in a relatively advantageous position.

✏️ 그는 공부를 열심히 하는 반면에 운동은 전혀 하지 않아요. He studies hard, whereas he doesn't exercise at all.

Cultural Notes

The ongoing trade disputes between the US and its allies reflect the complex and often contentious nature of international trade negotiations. Countries must balance their own economic interests with maintaining strong diplomatic relationships with their partners. This situation highlights the challenges of navigating the competing demands of national sovereignty, global interdependence, and the ever-shifting landscape of international trade.

Source: 네이버 뉴스 | Original Article
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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

Which countries are in a relatively advantageous position compared to their allies?

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Q2

What was the US trying to achieve with its tariff policies?

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Q3

How have the rulings impacted the US's ability to use tariffs as a weapon?

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Q4

Which US companies are opposing the tariffs, and why?

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Q5

How are the allies who cooperated with the US faring compared to those who resisted negotiations?

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