TPP open for discussion with S. Korea： Blinken 블링큰 ″TPP， 한국 원하면 환영″

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken says the U.S. is open to holding negotiations with Korea if Seoul wants to be part of the recently concluded Trans－Pacific Partnership. The visiting deputy secretary made the statement Wednesday at a seminar in Seoul， adding that he had initial discussions during his meetings with government officials here. He said the TPP members are looking forward to talks with Korea and other countries that want to join the partnership. Blinken refuted claims the pact is aimed at isolating China， saying Washington also welcomes Beijing′s participation if the standards are met. He also touched upon North Korea′s nuclear and missile programs during his lecture， warning that Pyongyang will face tougher sanctions if it pushes ahead with a long－range rocket launch.