Simultaneous Management of Trade and Security at the Heart of Diplomacy
South Korea-Japan Summit on the 23rd, South Korea-U.S. Summit on the 25th:
Dual Focus on Trade and Security
Preparations for Mutual Tariff and Investment Fund Talks wit
The key focus of President Lee Jaemyung's upcoming back-to-back summits with Japan (August 23) and the United States (August 25) is the simultaneous management of 'trade' and 'security.' With Japan, the agenda is expected to include supply chain and advanced industry cooperation, as well as a reaffirmation of the operational principles of Korea-US-Japan trilateral cooperation. With the US, discussions may cover detailed negotiations on the 15% mutual tariff system, adjustments to defense spending and military posture, and responses to North Korea's nuclear program and China-related issues. Observers note that the tone of the two leaders' messages in Tokyo could significantly influence the leverage South Korea wields during negotiations in Washington, D.C. While President Lee's participation in the G7 Summit in June marked his debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage, these consecutive bilateral summits require tangible achievements from his 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest.' In preparation, President Lee has nominated new ambassadors to the US and Japan in quick succession.
According to the presidential office and the ruling party on August 19, the Korea-Japan summit is expected to discuss strategic industry joint projects, workforce and standards cooperation, leveraging the symbolism of being the first bilateral visit since the resumption of shuttle diplomacy. Sensitive issues between the two countries, such as historical disputes and export restrictions, may also be addressed to a limited extent. In his Liberation Day address marking the 80th anniversary, President Lee emphasized future-oriented cooperation, stating, "Japan is our neighbor with whom we share a yard, and an indispensable partner in economic development." However, he also stressed the need to confront historical issues, noting, "Many people around us still suffer due to unresolved historical matters."
At the subsequent Korea-US summit, the agenda is likely to include: detailed discussions on reciprocal tariffs and Korea-US investment funds; reviews of non-tariff barriers, currency, and regulatory issues; and, as a core topic under 'alliance modernization,' negotiations on increasing defense spending and the operation of US Forces Korea. Notably, joint design of manufacturing supply chains for semiconductors, batteries, shipbuilding, and critical minerals is expected to be a cross-cutting issue encompassing both trade and security-one that places significant burdens on Korea. If, during his summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Lee voices support for strengthening Korea-Japan and Korea-US-Japan cooperation, this could serve as leverage in the Korea-US summit negotiations.
The previous day, a delegation of US senators met President Lee at the presidential office in Yongsan and reaffirmed the bipartisan support of the US Congress for the ironclad Korea-US alliance. They expressed hope for even stronger cooperation with Korea-a key Indo-Pacific ally-in response to rapidly changing global dynamics. The senators also noted, "President Lee's decision to visit Japan first demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing Korea-Japan relations and Korea-US-Japan cooperation, and will further elevate Korea's stature and role on the international stage." On that day, US Senators Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey) and Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, Illinois) met with President Lee to discuss bilateral industrial cooperation, including the shipbuilding sector.
President Lee also plans to focus on the stable management of Korea-China relations. The government is reportedly preparing to dispatch a special delegation to China, led by former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeongseok, around August 24-25. Sending a special envoy to deliver a personal letter from President Lee to China between the Korea-US and Korea-Japan summits is seen as an effort to maintain regional balance. While the presidential office stated that nothing has been finalized, it is highly likely that, marking the 33rd anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, lawmakers including Park Byeongseok, Kim Taenyeon, and Park Jeong will be dispatched.
In the lead-up to these major bilateral diplomatic tests, the presidential office and the government are holding daily meetings to coordinate the upcoming overseas visits. This week has been designated as a preparatory period, and for the first time since the new administration took office, the chiefs of staff, policy, and national security-the so-called 'three chiefs'-plan to hold consecutive press briefings. These briefings are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including diplomacy, security, policy, economy, and personnel issues, with particular focus on questions related to President Lee's overseas visits.
President Lee is also preparing to host a roundtable with leaders of economic organizations and business executives. While the presidential office described the event as an opportunity to thank Korean companies for their multifaceted support during tariff negotiations with the US, it is expected that the government will also exchange views on its trade negotiation strategy ahead of the overseas visits.
Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming summits with the US and Japan, President Lee has reportedly nominated new ambassadors to both countries. He is expected to appoint former Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwha as ambassador to the US and will request agr?ment (prior approval from the host country for diplomatic envoys) from the US government. Lee Hyuk, former ambassador to Vietnam, is reportedly set to become the first ambassador to Japan under the new administration. A presidential office official explained, "The government nominates ambassadors to the US and Japan ahead of presidential visits. An official announcement will be made once the relevant procedures are completed."
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