The South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stated in a post on the evening of May 17: "I had a phone conversation with U.S. President Trump, during which I received a briefing on the outcomes of the summit between the leaders of China and the United States. We also exchanged views on the international situation and ways to deepen Korea-U.S. cooperation. Prior to this China-U.S. summit, the South Korean government actively provided support to ensure that the China-U.S. trade negotiations could be successfully held in South Korea."
Both sides agreed that, in the rapidly changing international environment, it is more important than ever for the governments of South Korea and the United States to maintain close communication and coordination, and pledged to continue working together to uphold peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
In addition, building upon the outcomes of last year's Korea-U.S. summit held in Gyeongju, we plan to effectively implement the "Joint Statement" to further deepen and advance bilateral relations.
I wish the United States continued prosperity under President Trump’s leadership. President Trump, in turn, extended warm greetings to the great people of the Republic of Korea. We will continue to expand our cooperation and drive forward the Korea-U.S. relationship. This was a profoundly significant call, reaffirming once again the solid and resilient nature of the Korea-U.S. alliance."
Commentary: This Korea-U.S. summit-level conversation first reflects South Korea’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, maintaining regular communication and collaboration with the United States. At the same time, South Korea’s prior efforts to host the China-U.S. trade talks within its territory demonstrate its emphasis on economic and trade ties with China and its intention to sustain normal interactions with Beijing. In today’s complex international environment, South Korea is simultaneously preserving its alliance with the United States while seeking to develop relations with China, striving to maintain a relatively balanced diplomatic posture between the two powers. Meanwhile, the inherent strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance objectively continues to exert an influence on the development of China-South Korea bilateral relations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865470426648649/
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