[Yeouido Interview] Self-Proclaimed 'China Expert'..."Moon Administration Also Pursued US-Centered Diplomacy"

Problems Arise Every Time a 'Choice' Is Made Between Great Powers
Balanced Diplomacy Is Important

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Young-ho, a lawmaker known as a self-proclaimed "China expert," evaluated the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's foreign policy as "losing balance." Especially during a time when the Northeast Asian hegemonic competition is intensifying, he warned that rushing to establish close relations with a specific country can cause problems, advising that impatience should be abandoned in Korea-China relations as well.

Kim Young-ho, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Kim, who was the Democratic Party's THAAD Countermeasure Committee secretary during the Moon Jae-in administration in 2016, said, "Due to South Korea's geopolitical uniqueness, historically, every time it 'chose' one of the great powers, war broke out."

He emphasized, "Even the Moon administration, which was considered friendly to China, actually conducted diplomacy centered on the United States in line with the international situation led by the U.S. However, externally, it advocated 'balanced diplomacy' and 'equidistant diplomacy,' never once suggesting that the U.S. had a preferential position in choice." He added, "Substantively, it was important that South Korea maintained trust and cooperation as an ally of the U.S., while externally practicing balanced diplomacy. But it seems the Yoon administration made a choice at some point."

Kim said, "Diplomacy requires patience," and added, "Whether with the U.S. or China, diplomacy should be conducted with more patience focusing on South Korea's national interests, but I think the choice was made too hastily."

He also pointed out the recent government decision to extend the short-term visa issuance restrictions on China for another month to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from China as a regrettable aspect. He criticized it as unilaterally hurting the dignity of the diplomatic counterpart, calling it a matter of "basic diplomatic courtesy." Starting from the 6th of this month, China announced 20 countries eligible for overseas group travel, but South Korea was not included along with the U.S. and Japan. This is interpreted as a retaliatory measure following the extension of Chinese visa issuance restrictions. The benefits of resuming Chinese group travel are expected to go to Thailand, Vietnam, and others.

Kim said, "Since China practices pragmatic diplomacy, it should not only emphasize the 'strengthening of the South Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance,'" adding, "I am concerned that the new North Korea-China-Russia alliance system might be strengthened in response. If that happens, it would be a revival of the new Cold War system."