Yoon: "It's Not a Matter of Choosing Between the US and China... Closely Cooperating with Both Countries"

Interview with Major Brazilian Daily
"The Foundation of the ROK-US Alliance, Continuing Communication with China"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is applauding at the 2nd session retreat of the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held at the Lima Convention Center in Peru on the 16th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 18th (local time), "I hope that the US-China relationship will develop in a way that contributes to peace and prosperity in the international community, and in that process, Korea will closely cooperate with both the US and China," adding, "For Korea, it is not a matter of choosing one between the two countries."

While visiting Brazil to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, President Yoon held a written interview with Brazilian daily newspapers 'O Globo' and 'Folha de S.Paulo,' expressing his stance on the strategic competition between the US and China that may intensify with the inauguration of the new US administration.

President Yoon emphasized, "Cooperation and competition inevitably coexist in the international community," and added, "What is important is that such competition and cooperation must be conducted fairly and reciprocally while respecting international norms and rules."

Regarding the South Korean government's diplomatic stance, he said, "While the ROK-US alliance remains the fundamental axis, we are striving to continue communication and develop relations with China in a way that contributes to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the international community."

On the inauguration of the new US administration under Donald Trump, President Yoon expressed optimism, saying, "I am confident that the President-elect of the US and I, as members of the alliance, will work together not only for the people of both countries but also for peace and prosperity on a global scale." He particularly noted, "We will deepen strategic cooperation not only in security but also in the economy, supply chains, advanced technology, and energy sectors to contribute to the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and the international community."

"Russia and North Korea Pose a Direct Challenge to the International Peace Order"

Regarding the close ties between Russia and North Korea, President Yoon strongly criticized them as a "direct challenge to the international peace order," quoting the expression ‘jeokbanhajang (賊反荷杖)’ which means "the thief blames the victim." He stated, "As a result of the Russia-North Korea closeness, they are seeking to advance military technology and, backed by Russia, will carry out even more intense provocations," adding, "We will closely cooperate with allies and friendly countries to ensure the implementation of strong and effective sanctions against Russia-North Korea military cooperation."

President Yoon evaluated the 'Global Alliance for Advancing Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP),' which will be launched on the occasion of the G20 summit, emphasizing, "Korea will actively contribute to eradicating hunger and poverty based on its experience and knowledge of developing from one of the poorest countries after the war to a major economic power."

Recalling the 'Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) Initiative' proposed during last September's UN General Assembly, President Yoon said, "At this summit as well, I will actively express our commitment to supporting developing countries' access to clean energy such as hydrogen, nuclear power, and renewable energy."

Visiting Brazil for the first time since taking office, President Yoon explained, "Brazil is Korea's number one trading partner among South American countries," and added, "Brazil, a global resource-rich country, and Korea, a manufacturing powerhouse, have a complementary trade structure, making them optimal partners to jointly respond to the global supply chain restructuring."

President Yoon also expressed regret that the trade agreement (TA) negotiations with Mercosur, the largest common market in South America, have been stalled since the 7th round of talks in August 2021, stating, "There is a need to promptly resume official negotiations. We plan to actively cooperate with Mercosur countries to successfully conclude the trade agreement."