Stance on Foreign Policy Clarified at National Election Commission TV Debate
Kim Moonsoo: "Pro-China Remarks Would Appall the United States"
"Diplomacy Requires a Pragmatic, National Interest-Focused Approach"
During the TV debate hosted by the National Election Commission, the issue of Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung's "pro-China" stance in foreign policy was raised. While Lee emphasized that diplomacy with the United States should be the "fundamental axis," he also stressed that "flexibility is necessary."
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, pointed out issues such as the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the controversy surrounding Lee's meeting with former Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming. Kim stated, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance must be the fundamental axis for our country," and added, "When you look at the statements Lee Jaemyung has made on this issue, they are at a level that would be appalling to the United States."
On the 18th, presidential candidates from each political party pledged their efforts at the 21st Presidential Election Candidate Debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission held at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From the left, Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party, Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea. 2025.5.18 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
In response to these concerns, Lee Jaemyung said, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is important," and added, "It must continue to expand and develop, evolving from a security alliance to a comprehensive economic alliance." However, he also stated, "That does not mean we should be completely dependent," and continued, "There is no need to deliberately exclude or antagonize relations with China and Russia. Diplomacy should be approached pragmatically, with a focus on national interests."
Kim Moonsoo countered by saying, "China was our enemy during the Korean War (6·25 War)," and added, "If you say China and Russia are also important, then you are not saying the United States is important."
In response, Lee Jaemyung said, "Of course, we must consider the relative weight of each relationship," and added, "That does not mean treating them all the same. The South Korea-U.S. alliance is the fundamental axis of our diplomacy and security, and it must be developed." However, he also said, "We should not go all-in on it." Lee Jaemyung reiterated, "Diplomacy is an extremely delicate and sensitive matter," and emphasized again the need to "approach it with composure, flexibility, pragmatism, and a realistic perspective."
In a debate with Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party presidential candidate, Lee Jaemyung said, "We need to maintain good relations with Taiwan, China, and other countries," and added, "Labeling someone as 'pro-China' is not an appropriate expression for a politician." When asked how he would respond if China invaded Taiwan, Lee replied, "Problems arise if we make judgments by assuming and escalating every possible scenario," and continued, "We must make flexible decisions, and the standard for judgment should be the national interest of the Republic of Korea. We should not blindly follow hypothetical scenarios. As diplomatic relations are rapidly changing, our judgments must adapt to each situation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
