APEC summit: South Korean FM Cho Hyun on balancing ties and regional issues

Key Concepts

• APEC Leader Summit: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit for leaders.
• Shuttle Diplomacy: Frequent visits and negotiations between leaders of two countries.
• Denuclearization: The process of eliminating nuclear weapons.
• DMZ: Demilitarized Zone, the border between North and South Korea.
• Win-win outcome: A situation where both parties benefit.
• Ally relationship: A partnership between countries based on mutual support and defense.

South Korea's Diplomatic Engagements and Priorities

This summary details South Korea's foreign policy objectives and upcoming diplomatic engagements, particularly concerning the APEC Leader Summit in Seoul. The discussion highlights South Korea's approach to balancing relationships with major powers like China and the United States, its efforts to improve ties with Japan, and its stance on North Korean denuclearization.

1. APEC Leader Summit and Bilateral Meetings

• Event: Seoul will host the APEC Leader Summit.
• Key Attendees: President Trump (US) and President Xi (China) will be present.
• South Korean Objective: President Moon Jae-in will use this opportunity to hold separate meetings with both President Trump and President Xi.
• Significance of Xi's Visit: South Korea's Foreign Minister Chun views President Xi's visit as "meaningful" as it's happening after 11 years.
• Balancing Act: Minister Chun clarified that "balancing" does not mean being neutral but rather engaging in cooperation with China on certain issues while holding "somewhat different ideas" on others.

2. Improving Relations with China

• Primary Goal: Trust-building with the new South Korean government is paramount.
• Context: The previous Korean government faced criticism from China regarding its statements and foreign policy.
• Strategy: South Korea aims to improve relations with China without compromising its "basic policy and identity."
• Addressing Sanctions: Minister Chun expressed concern over specific sanctions on South Korean companies like Hano but believes these issues can be resolved. He noted that China appears to recognize the need for cooperation with Korea.

3. South Korea-United States Trade and Security Negotiations

• Trade Deal Optimism: Minister Chun is "optimistic, but maybe cautiously" about reaching a trade deal with the US before the end of the month.
• Security Agreement: A "rough agreement" on security has been reached, with South Korea seeking to sign a deal with the US.
• Areas of Consensus: Discussions have covered "a number of important issues," including the modernization of Korean defense and the enhancement of the ally relationship.
• Potential Signing at APEC: Signing a deal during the APEC summit is a "possibility."
• Integrated Approach: Efforts are underway to incorporate tariff issues into a "single undertaking" to be concluded before President Trump's visit.
• Shifting US Partnership: Minister Chun noted that the US is "not the same cooperative partner it once was," citing an "unprecedented request" for investment money, though acknowledging the potential for a "win-win outcome." He believes the traditional ally relationship needs to "be adjusted to the changing challenges of the world."

4. North Korean Denuclearization

• South Korean Proposal: President Moon Jae-in's statement about accepting a "freeze" as a first step in denuclearizing North Korea was discussed.
• Collaboration with US: This proposal has been discussed "very closely" with the US, with the objective of reducing tension on the Korean Peninsula, achieving a permanent peace settlement, and ultimately denuclearization.
• US Openness: The objectives are "keenly discussed with America," implying a degree of US receptiveness.
• DMZ Meeting Possibility: The possibility of President Trump visiting the DMZ to meet with Kim Jong-un remains open. South Korea would "support it" and "try our best to make this meeting successful" if it occurs.

5. Relations with Japan

• New Japanese Prime Minister: South Korea does not expect the new Japanese leader to adopt a "hulkish stance" on relations.
• Restored Shuttle Diplomacy: President Moon Jae-in has "restored shuttle diplomacy," and South Korea has taken steps to improve ties.
• Expectations for New Leader: South Korea expects the new Japanese leader to "live up to our expectations."
• Revisiting Anti-Japan Stance: The perception of President Moon Jae-in becoming anti-Japan before his election has been "proven not to be the case."
• Mutual Need for Closer Ties: In light of the "changed international situation," the Japanese leader might also consider the "need for closer relationship with Korea."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The upcoming APEC Leader Summit in Seoul presents a critical juncture for South Korea to navigate complex geopolitical relationships. The nation aims to foster trust with China while simultaneously strengthening its alliance with the United States through trade and security agreements. A key priority remains the denuclearization of North Korea, with South Korea advocating for a phased approach and open to high-level diplomatic engagement. Furthermore, South Korea is actively seeking to improve relations with Japan, believing that a closer partnership is mutually beneficial in the current international climate. The overarching theme is South Korea's proactive and strategic approach to diplomacy, seeking to balance its interests and adapt to evolving global challenges.