President Lee: "Diplomacy Must Protect National Interests... Avoid Subservient, Flunkeyist Attitudes"

President Lee Jae-myung said today (October 13), "We must pursue diplomacy that always protects South Korea's national interests and is solely for a confident Republic of Korea," adding, "We must avoid submissive or flunkeyist attitudes in relations between nations."

At a Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on that day, President Lee emphasized, "South Korea's diplomatic policy is pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests. South Korea is a sovereign, independent nation, and what is most important is South Korea's national interests."

These remarks appear to take into account growing concerns in political circles over a possible "rift in the South Korea-U.S. alliance," as unusual tensions between the intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States have recently surfaced.

President Lee assessed, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is very important. It can be called the axis of our diplomacy and must continue to be upgraded," but also noted, "Meanwhile, managing relations with neighboring powers surrounding us is still important."

He went on to explain, "Differences between nations are bound to exist. How could nations always align when each pursues its own national interests?" adding, "It is about constantly discussing, asserting, and coordinating."

In particular, he said, "There is a need to minimize differences, and those differences must remain within a manageable range," adding, "However, the very existence of differences cannot be taken issue with."

This can be interpreted as emphasizing the importance of finding common ground based on national interests rather than unconditionally criticizing differences in positions between South Korea and the United States.

President Lee reiterated, "When there are differences between nations, it is important to properly coordinate and compromise on the issue with affection for our government and our Republic of Korea whenever possible," stressing, "Otherwise, a situation could arise where our national interests are sacrificed in the competition of interests among nations."

President Lee then cited the trade negotiation process between South Korea and the United States as an example.

President Lee offered encouragement, saying, "Our public officials, including the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Office of the Minister for Trade, are working very hard in external negotiations. Among several countries designated for strategic investment, South Korea probably negotiated the longest and produced an outcome that best aligned with national interests."

He also pledged, "Didn't the United States acknowledge our negotiators as 'very tough'? It is a complaint, but on the other hand, it is also a compliment," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost for the national interests of the Republic of Korea. If there are differences or misunderstandings, we will resolve and coordinate them, moving forward to become an irreplaceable nation standing tall in the world."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.