US-China Conflict Intensifies... Government to Hold 'Integrated Subcommittee Meeting on Diplomatic Strategy Adjustment' at Foreign Ministry on 28th

First Meeting This Year Due to COVID-19... 3rd 'Diplomatic Strategy Adjustment Meeting' Discusses Promotion Directions
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa Attends

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will attend the 7th Integrated Subcommittee Meeting for the 'Foreign Strategy Adjustment Meeting,' a preliminary meeting held on the 28th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 26th. This is the first meeting of the year.

On the day, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kim In-cheol explained in a briefing, "The Foreign Strategy Adjustment Meeting was launched in July last year to establish proactive foreign strategies amid changing international circumstances and to support organic responses between the government and the private sector," adding, "At this integrated subcommittee meeting, we plan to discuss response directions to complex major international issues amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and to consult on the promotion direction of the 3rd Foreign Strategy Adjustment Meeting."

The Foreign Strategy Adjustment Meeting, a consultative body aimed at expanding diplomatic roles as a middle power capable of constructive cooperation based on national interests rather than responding passively amid rapidly changing international order, was launched in July last year and has been held twice.

At the first meeting last year, Minister Kang, First Vice Minister Cho Se-young, Second Vice Minister Lee Tae-ho, and key bureau chiefs all attended, along with director-level officials from related ministries such as the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of National Defense, the Blue House, and the National Intelligence Service.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation, related ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare are also expected to participate in this 3rd meeting. Discussions are expected to cover the impact of the US-China dispute, the unilateral export restrictions imposed by the Japanese government in July last year, and the limited economic exchanges due to the COVID-19 situation. Spokesperson Kim said, "About 7 to 8 related ministries and 2 to 3 government-affiliated think tanks are expected to attend."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is closely monitoring China's push to enact the 'Hong Kong National Security Law,' which punishes anti-China figures and prohibits interference by the US and others in Hong Kong affairs. The Chinese government is expected to handle this at the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC, equivalent to Korea's National Assembly) on the 28th.

Spokesperson Kim said, "The government is paying close attention to recent Hong Kong-related issues, which have close human and economic exchange relations with us," adding, "There is close communication at all levels between Korea and China."