South Korea’s presidential office confirmed on Monday that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s approach to foreign relations hasn’t changed. The focus is still on protecting the country’s security and economy.
While at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, a senior official spoke to reporters about Yoon’s recent comments to Brazilian media. Yoon had said, “Korea doesn’t have to pick between the U.S. and China.” The official explained that South Korea looks for reliable partners who share values like freedom and democracy, and they want to work with countries that are open and predictable.
When it comes to China, the official emphasized the importance of keeping regular communication at high levels. They pointed out that China has a strong decision-making process that helps it act quickly, and by keeping high-level talks going, South Korea can improve its relationship with China. These talks have already led to progress in areas like free trade, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
During an interview with Brazil’s O Globo, Yoon talked about balancing South Korea’s relationship with both the U.S. and China. He said South Korea wants to maintain a strong alliance with the U.S. while also building a positive relationship with China. He believes this will help promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Yoon also mentioned he looks forward to working with the upcoming Trump administration on areas like security, the economy, and advanced technology.
In another interview with Brazil’s Folha de S. Paulo, Yoon spoke out against North Korea’s growing ties with Russia, calling it a threat to global peace. He warned that North Korea would likely use Russia’s support to boost its military capabilities, making their provocations even more dangerous. Yoon promised that South Korea would work closely with its allies to enforce strong sanctions and keep the situation under control.
