According to Yonhap News Agency's report on April 23, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yong stated at the "2025 Asan Plenary Session" hosted by the South Korean think tank Asan Institute for Policy Studies on the same day that no country in the region is willing to make a choice between the US and China, and no country hopes to see the Sino-US strategic competition turn into a "zero-sum game". Cho Tae-yong believed that South Korea's engagement with China also aligns with American interests in multiple dimensions.
In terms of South Korea-China relations, Cho Tae-yong expressed that there are many differences between the two countries, but the South Korean government will "openly state its position" and communicate with the Chinese side. As for the fundamental issue of South Korea's foreign policy prioritizing the ROK-US alliance, China has not raised any objections. South Korea's communication and engagement with China also align with the goal of "preventing wars between major powers in the 21st century".
Cho Tae-yong expressed concern about the current international situation. He stated that what supports the multilateral trading system is the belief in achieving common prosperity together, not zero-sum games, which is also the foundation of South Korea's export-oriented economy. However, this international order has now developed cracks.
Previously, it was reported that the Trump administration attempted to coerce other countries to limit economic and trade cooperation with China through tariff measures to form an "isolated China" situation internationally. However, Japan, Vietnam, the EU, and others have already engaged in further contact and consultations with China, and some have even clearly stated their willingness to "reach agreements" and "expand trade and investment relations" with China. Cho Tae-yong's remarks imply that South Korea does not support the Trump administration's strategy to isolate China.
American former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also attended the "2025 Asan Plenary Session" on the same day. In his speech, Campbell stated that as the main allies of the United States, South Korea and Japan should actively participate in the US decision-making process related to nuclear weapons. He also suggested that the South Korean government use shipbuilding cooperation as a negotiation lever to consult with the United States. However, according to Yonhap News Agency, Campbell did not mention the Trump administration's strategy to isolate China or recent tariff policies.
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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496746881658290724/
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