US VP Says Details of Alaska LNG Project Still Need to Be Discussed With South Korea

US Vice President JD Vance stated on the 5th (local time) that details regarding the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) development project still need to be coordinated with South Korea.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., before boarding a flight to visit Alaska, Vance was asked whether the Alaska project is being pursued despite South Korea's denial of finalized investment. He responded, "Obviously, there are still some details to be worked out, and South Korea has mentioned that as well."

The Alaska LNG development project is a venture to build an approximately 800-mile (1,300 km) pipeline and other infrastructure to transport natural gas produced from the northernmost North Slope to the southern port of Nikiski.

Vance's remarks on this day are interpreted as differing in tone from the attitude of President Donald Trump.

On September 30 at the White House, while announcing South Korea's areas of investment in the US, President Trump unilaterally claimed that South Korea had decided to invest more than $50 billion in the Alaska LNG development project.

In response, the South Korean government denied the claim, stating that the project was merely left as a future agenda for consultation with the US side rather than an agreed-upon investment. However, on the 2nd, President Trump threatened, "Did they say they didn't agree? Tell them that if they don't agree soon, I'll double it," once again pressing for an agreement.

Nevertheless, Vance mentioned that not only the US but also South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations desire the success of the project, adding, "Therefore, I think this project is going to happen."

He also stated, "Because the demand for American natural gas is really strong, I think we can get this done."

Vance departed for Alaska on this day to campaign for Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican running as a candidate for the US Senate from Alaska in the midterm elections.

Although Alaska has been a strong Republican stronghold for decades, a close race is unfolding as Democratic Representative Mary Peltola is fiercely pursuing Senator Sullivan.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.