South Korea Signals Shift: Security with US, Distance from China
In a significant policy shift, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung declared that Seoul can no longer maintain its historical strategy of security with the U.S. and economy with China, particularly due to intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Speaking at CSIS in Washington, D.C., Lee emphasized that South Korea cannot deviate from the U.S.’s basic policy direction. Lee also addressed the need to manage ties with China and pledged to increase South Korea’s defense spending against North Korea. This shift underscores South Korea’s growing involvement in the geopolitical confrontation, prioritizing alignment with Washington for long-term security.
John Q. Hosedrinker