Myung-hee Myung-hee lost, but the WTO Secretary General's election'in the fog' Likelihood of long-term deadlock

The election war fell into fog as the United States publicly declared its support for the head of the Trade and Bargaining Headquarters of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as the next secretary general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Director Yoo is known to have fallen behind the Nigerian candidate Okonjoyweala in the final preference survey of WTO member states by a bigger margin than expected.

However, as the United States, which has a great influence on the WTO, expressed opposition to the opinions of many of its member states, considerable pain is expected in the future consensus (consensus) process between member states.

Some analyzes say that the WTO election war turned into a political game between the powers of the world where international dynamics and interests are complicated.

The United States has clarified its opposition to Okonjoyweala, which is supported by many member states, and has officially declared its support for Yu.

This behavior of the United States is interpreted as the intention not to take the initiative of the WTO.

Japan and African countries, including the European Union (EU) with 27 votes, supported Okonjoyweala.

China hasn't expressed any official intentions, but it is said to have given Okonjoyweala's hand.

A trade expert interpreted, "It is natural for the United States that the United States, which insists on the US-first line and is competing for supremacy with China, held in check candidates for'friendship' and raised the hand of South Korea."

The United States seems to have decided that Korea is more suitable than African descent as the right person to implement WTO reform.

In an official statement on the 28th (local time), the US Trade Representative (USTR) expressed support for Yu, saying, "The WTO needs significant reforms."

The US State Department reportedly sent a message to some of the diplomatic missions abroad on the 25th, instructing them to determine whether the host country's government supports Mr. Yoo.

This was interpreted as meaning that the US is strong in the will of the United States for the election of General Manager Yoo.

WTO appoints the Secretary-General through consensus from all member states.

It is difficult to reach an agreement if there is opposition from the powers of the United States, China, and the EU.

If the United States opposes until the end, it is theoretically difficult for Okonjoyweala to win.

In the case of disagreement according to WTO regulations, an exception can be voted.

However, in 25 years of WTO history, there is no precedent for a secretary-general to be voted.

Experts say that there is little possibility of going to vote this time.

One expert interpreted it as "to vote in the face of US opposition, in fact, means to exclude the US from the WTO."

In this situation, there are not many cards for our government to choose from.

Candidate Okonjoyweala can either resign from his post to become Secretary General, or endure until November 9th, which is the deadline, aiming at a turnaround in the Member States consultation, which is the final procedure.

A government source said, "The government is currently thinking about whether to accept the results of the WTO."

Our government seems to be in a perplexing situation.

This is because even if the election results are accepted, the situation will not be resolved unless the US withdraws its opposition.

Another government source said, "There are also questions about whether it is appropriate for us to stand up as faithful members of the international community."

The key is the American will.

I don't know if the U.S. takes a step back, but if it doesn't, the campaign could go past the deadline and lead to a long deadlock.

The international community is concerned that, in the worst case, the WTO's election for the Secretary-General of the WTO, just as the WTO Appellate Body has ceased to function, as opposed to the United States, could lead to a similar situation.

Heo Yun, a professor at Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies, said, "With so many member states that overwhelmingly support candidate Okonjoyweala, the key is how much will the US will persuade the member states."

A diplomat said, "The situation remains to see how the powers such as the US, EU, and China will play."

The US presidential election seems to be a variable.

The Trump administration has expressed support for Yoo, but if the Democratic Party candidate Biden is elected, the Trump administration is proclaiming differentiation from the Trump administration, and external stances may change.

(Photo = Yonhap News)