[Reporter’s Notebook] 'Pragmatic, National-Interest-Centered Diplomacy' Put to the Test

President Lee Jaemyung will embark on his first overseas trip on June 16. President Lee has been invited to the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada, where he will meet with the leaders of major countries in person. This comes just 12 days after his inauguration, making it one of the fastest overseas trips among all previous presidents.

The presidential office highlighted several key aspects of this trip: spreading the message of "restoring Korean democracy," "reviving summit diplomacy," "initiating pragmatic diplomacy," and "providing momentum to resolve pending issues." While the restoration of democracy and summit diplomacy can be achieved to some extent simply by making this trip, pragmatic diplomacy and the resolution of current issues are different matters. President Lee's policy of "pragmatic, national-interest-centered diplomacy" will be put to the test in the international arena, as will the government's ability to resolve various issues, such as reciprocal tariffs, through diplomatic means.

There are numerous challenges to address during this trip. With the United States, a compromise must be found on trade and defense cost-sharing negotiations. The deadline for the suspension of reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on various countries is less than a month away, expiring on July 8. There is also a possibility that President Trump will present a "security bill" demanding an increase in South Korea's share of defense costs for US troops stationed in Korea. If a bilateral meeting with President Trump takes place during this trip, the key will be how much of the South Korean government's position can be reflected in the outcome.

It will also be a complex task to define the new government's diplomatic direction. Last year, the G7 countries agreed to take measures to protect their domestic industries from China's unfair practices and overproduction. It is expected that voices calling for checks on China will be raised at this summit as well. The South Korean government must cooperate with the G7 countries, including the United States, while also finding a point where relations with China and other countries do not deteriorate.

Although preparation time is short, solutions must be concrete and delivered with a sense of urgency. The South Korean economy recorded a -0.3% contraction in the first quarter, and this year's annual growth rate is projected to be in the 0% range. Since the December 3 Martial Law Incident last year, there have been no signs of recovery in domestic demand or exports. If South Korea fails to secure its national interests on the diplomatic stage, there will be nothing but a bleak future for the Korean economy. The path forward for the Korean economy must be found in exports, making summit diplomacy more important than ever.

President Lee is reportedly taking the position that "pending issues will be resolved through close consultations" on tariff and trade matters between South Korea and the United States. He is said to have emphasized this approach to the negotiating team handling the practical matters. During President Lee's first overseas trip, it is crucial that only vague messages such as "let's meet again soon" or "we have built mutual understanding" are not delivered. It is hoped that, on the day President Lee returns, there will be a flood of news about concrete solutions to the tariff issue.