Brazilian media interview
“Developing relations with China while making it the basic axis of the ROK-US alliance”
North Korea-Russia military cooperation “a direct challenge to the international peace order”
“The official Mercosur TA negotiations must resume as soon as possible.”
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is attending the 19th G20 Summit, arrives at Galeão Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the 17th (local time) and shakes hands with those greeting him. Yonhap News
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is visiting Brazil to attend the G20 summit, said on the 18th (local time), “Korea will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and China,” adding, “For Korea, the two countries have to choose between the two.” “It’s not a problem,” he said. The Korean government’s position was revealed in a situation where strategic competition between the United States and China is predicted to intensify once the second term of the Donald Trump U.S. administration takes office. Attention is being paid to whether this will bring about a change in diplomatic strategy amid criticism that the country is neglecting diplomacy with China while going all-in on strengthening the ROK-US alliance.
In a written interview with Brazilian daily newspapers ‘U Globu’ and ‘Pola de Sao Paulo’ on this day, President Yoon said, “I hope that the relationship between the United States and China will develop in a direction that contributes to the peace and prosperity of the international community.” Sil reported.
President Yoon said, “With the ROK-US alliance as the basic axis, we are making efforts to continue to communicate and develop relationships with China in a way that is conducive to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the international community.” President Yoon also said, “Cooperation and competition cannot help but coexist in the international community,” adding, “What is important is that such competition and cooperation must be carried out justly and reciprocally while respecting international norms and rules.”
President Yoon said, “As members of the alliance, I and the President-elect of the United States are confident that we will do more together not only for the people of our two countries, but also for peace and prosperity on a global level,” adding, “We will work together not only on security, but also on the economy, supply chain, advanced technology, and security.” “We will deepen strategic cooperation in the energy sector and contribute to the prosperity of the India-Pacific region and the international community,” he said.
Regarding the close relationship between North Korea and Russia, he criticized it as “a direct challenge to the international peace order.” President Yoon said, “North Korea will seek to advance its military technology in return for its close ties with Russia and North Korea and will use Russia as its backer to launch more intense provocations,” adding, “We will form an alliance to ensure that strong and effective sanctions against Russia-North Korea military cooperation are implemented.” “We will continue to cooperate closely with our allies and allies.”
President Yoon mentioned the ‘Global Alliance to Alleviate Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP)’ that was launched at the G20 Summit and said, “Korea will also actively contribute to the eradication of hunger and poverty based on its experience and knowledge of developing from a post-war poorest country to a major economy. “I’m going out,” he said. President Yoon said, “At this summit, we will actively express our commitment to supporting developing countries’ access to clean energy such as hydrogen, nuclear power, and renewable energy.”
President Yoon, who visited Brazil for the first time since taking office, emphasized strengthening cooperation between Korea and South American countries. He said, “Brazil is Korea’s No. 1 trading partner among South American countries. Brazil, a world-class resource-rich country, and Korea, a manufacturing powerhouse, have complementary trade structures and are the optimal partners to jointly respond to the reorganization of the global supply chain.” President Yoon mentioned that the trade agreement (TA) with Mercosur, the largest common market in South America, has been at a standstill since the 7th round of negotiations in August 2021, and said, “There is a need to resume formal negotiations as soon as possible. “We plan to actively cooperate with Mercosur countries to successfully conclude a trade agreement.”
How might President Yoon’s perspective on Korea’s relationship with Mercosur influence future trade negotiations and economic partnerships in the region?
Thank you for your interest in being interviewed about the recent events surrounding President Yoon Seok-yeol’s visit to Brazil and his comments on Korea’s relationship with China, the United States, Russia, and Mercosur.
Our first guest today is Ms. Lee, a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of International Studies, specializing in East Asian security and international relations. Ms. Lee, can you share your thoughts on the significance of President Yoon’s comments about the importance of maintaining close ties with both the United States and China? How do you see this position evolving under the incoming Biden administration?
Our second guest is Mr. Kim, a business consultant with experience in negotiating trade agreements with Mercosur countries. Mr. Kim, what are your thoughts on the ongoing stagnation of the Korea-Mercosur FTA negotiations, and how do you think President Yoon’s remarks will impact the resumption of formal talks? Additionally, what challenges do you foresee in broadening economic cooperation between Korea and South American countries, given the current global economic climate?
Ms. Lee, drawing from your expertise in international relations, how would you assess the potential implications of North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia on the security situation in Northeast Asia? Do you think it poses a direct threat to the international peace order, as President Yoon suggested?
Lastly, both guests, would you like to offer any concluding remarks or insights into the future of Korea’s foreign policy direction, particularly with regards to maintaining a balanced approach between its alliances with the United States and China, and expanding economic cooperation with South American nations?
