Experts Give Positive Assessment of Korea-China and Korea-Japan Summits... US and Japan Reassured by President Lee's Balanced Approach

China's Pressure Met with Strategic Ambiguity
Balanced Approach Despite Japan's Concerns
Securing Practical Gains Amid U.S. and Japanese Caution

Experts have given positive evaluations regarding President Lee Jaemyung's recent summits with China and Japan.

On January 15, the National Assembly Global Diplomacy and Security Forum held a discussion titled "Northeast Asia Power Game: Xi Jinping, Sanae Takaichi, and the Republic of Korea - Assessment of Korea-China and Korea-Japan Summits" at the National Assembly. Experts participating in the forum assessed that this series of summits at the start of the new year has expanded the Korean government's negotiating space.

Regarding the Korea-China summit, experts noted that although there are persistent concerns from the United States and Japan, President Lee managed the situation well.

Park Wongon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, commented, "In response to China's pressure to 'stand on the right side of history,' President Lee replied only with 'Confucian rhetoric,' maintaining ambiguity." He added, "The United States has recognized China's approach of perceiving Korea as the weak link in the U.S.-led alliance network." Professor Park further explained, "By defining China as Korea's 'largest trading partner and key partner,' the United States is wary that Korea may take a passive approach to de-risking from China and restructuring supply chains, prioritizing economic interests through 'pragmatic diplomacy.' However, if Korea pursues economic cooperation with China while simultaneously offering the cards the United States wants-such as increasing defense spending, expanding investment in the U.S., and cooperating on technology controls against China-then it is unlikely to become a major issue." Lee Wondeok, also a professor at Ewha Womans University, added, "Japan was wary of Korea drawing closer to China, but was reassured by President Lee's clever and balanced response."

Regarding the Korea-Japan summit, Professor Lee stated, "The summit took place in an environment highly favorable to Korea, and the timing and location were particularly significant, as it was held in Nara, a symbolic site of ancient Korea-Japan exchanges and cultural heritage." He continued, "This summit established shuttle diplomacy and presented a new equation for addressing historical issues." Professor Park also noted, "The Korea-Japan summit institutionalized the stability in relations that the United States has long hoped for, and ongoing security cooperation is expected to continue."