Attended and Spoke at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club Press Briefing on the 28th
Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, is taking off his mask to speak at a press conference hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, emphasized a responsible diplomatic strategy based on 'independence, pragmatism, and peace.'
On the 28th, Ahn attended a press briefing at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Jung-gu, Seoul, and stated, "The foundation of South Korea’s foreign policy as I see it is responsible diplomacy based on independence, pragmatism, and peace." This means prioritizing national interests while protecting the country’s sovereignty and the dignity of its people, and aiming to be a responsible nation that contributes to world peace and human progress, befitting the Group of Ten (G10). To this end, Ahn emphasized five diplomatic principles: 'priority of national interests,' 'respect for democratic values,' 'compliance with international institutions and norms,' 'reciprocity,' and 'mutual equality.'
Regarding relations with the United States, Ahn said, "We will fully implement the joint statement from the May 2020 South Korea-US summit," and emphasized, "We will demonstrate continuity, consistency, and coherence in South Korea’s policy toward the US, and create a foundation to restore trust and confidence between the two countries."
He continued, "Through this, we will improve our security environment by contributing to peace and security in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthen cooperation and coordination in the field of science and technology between the two countries to secure core technologies for our scientific advancement and gain markets for science and technology," adding, "The South Korea-US alliance is the fundamental axis of South Korea’s diplomatic and security policy. The axis must be strong to avoid instability, and without instability, flexible and resilient responses are possible."
Regarding South Korea-China relations, Ahn stated, "I will immediately abolish the Moon Jae-in administration’s ‘Three No’s’ policy toward China. The ‘Three No’s’ policy is not only irrational but also a very wrong policy that undermines South Korea’s dignity and sovereignty," and explained, "We will institutionalize the red lines with China and respond swiftly and firmly to China’s military provocations. Through this, the two countries should build a mutually equal and mutually beneficial future-oriented partnership."
On South Korea-Japan relations, he referred to the spirit of the 'Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Statement.' Ahn said, "We must prevent the politicization of historical and territorial issues between South Korea and Japan and build a future-oriented relationship. Political leadership in both countries that uses diplomacy for domestic politics must be removed," and added, "We will urge Japan’s sincere repentance, but through a two-track approach for the development of South Korea-Japan relations, we will separate future-oriented cooperation from historical issues and respond accordingly."
Ahn’s goal for inter-Korean relations is "a Korean Peninsula without nuclear weapons and war" and "a coexistence of North and South." He said, "In dialogue with North Korea, we will pursue talks with national affection and sincerity, but in the case of resumption of nuclear tests or missile launches and other military provocations, we must respond firmly and principledly in solidarity with the international community with national rationality and composure."
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