South Korea’s Foreign Policy: Yoon Clarifies Stance Towards U.S. and China

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that the country’s relationship with the United States and China is not about choosing one over the other. In written interviews with Brazilian newspapers O Globo and Folha de S. Paulo during his visit to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, Yoon underscored South Korea’s balanced diplomatic approach.

Yoon reiterated that while the Korea-U.S. alliance remains the cornerstone of South Korea’s foreign policy, his administration is actively working to maintain communication with China and develop relations that promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. His remarks indicated a slight shift toward engaging with China, contrasting with his previous focus on strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan.

The presidential office, however, downplayed this interpretation. In a statement to Yonhap News, officials clarified that South Korea’s diplomatic stance remains unchanged. They explained that Yoon’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to improve ties with China alongside the already robust ROK-U.S. alliance and deepening ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation. The office characterized this as part of a broader strategy to balance key relationships rather than a policy shift.

Signs of warming relations between South Korea and China were also evident during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Lima, Peru, on November 15. Yoon and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged invitations for state visits, with both leaders expressing gratitude for the gestures.

The G20 Summit, which will take place from this Monday to Tuesday, will focus on “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”