In Diplomacy with Russia: "No Visible Progress, but Seeking Relations in All Areas"
With Japan: Building a Virtuous Cycle Based on the Principle of "Facing the Past While Moving Toward the Future"
National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak stated that the new administration's diplomatic policy toward China and Russia is not in conflict with strengthening the South Korea-United States alliance and South Korea-Japan cooperation. He described China as a country that is extremely important for stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula and pledged to continue high-level communication. Regarding Russia, he explained that due to the sanctions environment resulting from the war in Ukraine, "it is difficult to expect visible progress in the immediate future, but we are seeking to develop relations in both visible and invisible areas."
On September 17, at a meeting with Korean newspaper and broadcasting editors held at the Korea Press Center, Advisor Wi discussed the administration's diplomatic approach toward China and Russia since the inauguration of President Lee Jaemyung. In terms of diplomacy with China, he noted that a phone call between the leaders of South Korea and China took place immediately after the inauguration, and a special envoy led by former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeongseok was sent to Beijing on behalf of the president. He added that recently, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik attended China's Victory Day event, continuing exchanges at the parliamentary level.
Advisor Wi emphasized, "Efforts to develop and strengthen South Korea-China relations will not cease," mentioning the foreign minister's planned visit to China and noting, "A South Korea-China foreign ministers' forum is also scheduled for today." This suggests an intention to secure stable management and areas for cooperation in the South Korea-China relationship, even as the administration strengthens the core axis of the South Korea-United States alliance, South Korea-Japan cooperation, and trilateral coordination among South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Regarding Russia, he said that the administration would manage relations based on a realistic understanding of the situation. Advisor Wi stated, "It is true that there are difficulties due to international sanctions triggered by the war in Ukraine, which has continued for more than three years," and added, "Although there is no visible progress at the moment, both sides are making efforts to seek relations in both visible and invisible areas." This indicates a practical approach to secure at least a minimal diplomatic space for South Korea amid its international obligation to comply with sanctions against Russia and the growing coordination among North Korea, China, and Russia.
On relations with Japan, he said the administration aims to create a virtuous cycle based on the principle of "facing the past while moving toward the future." He also noted that President Lee Jaemyung's visit to Japan achieved the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries.
Advisor Wi stated, "Japan is an important neighbor and cooperation partner with similar positions, especially considering the rapidly changing situation around us," and continued, "Under the principle of facing the past while moving toward the future, we have worked to narrow differences and seek points of agreement even in areas where our positions diverge." He added, "So far, a virtuous cycle is being accumulated, and based on that, we are holding discussions on historical issues. While there are not yet any clearly visible results, considering the progress so far, there are discussions that give reason to expect that this virtuous cycle will take hold."
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