On October 9, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gave his views on the country's relationship with China, as well as his vision for unifying the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a talk hosted by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, October 9. |
Speaking at a talk in Singapore organized by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, President Yoon Suk Yeol affirmed that South Korea aims to promote “rules-based” cooperation with China and resolve misunderstandings through “swift and honest” dialogue, Yonhap news agency reported.
Although Beijing supported Pyongyang during the 1950-1953 Korean War, President Yoon made it clear: “Instead of being stuck in the past, we must focus on the future. China is a very important country for South Korea in all areas, including security, economy and investment.”
Seoul is “making efforts to shape its relationship with Beijing through constructive engagement to promote a rules-based, rational global order,” he said.
However, the South Korean leader noted: “The United States is the only ally that has provided significant support in protecting our freedom… The foundation of South Korea's diplomacy and foreign policy lies in the South Korea-US alliance.”
On the North Korean issue, President Yoon Suk Yeol presented a vision of inter-Korean unification based on liberal democracy to garner international support for his Unification Doctrine, which was first announced in August.
“If realized, a unified, free and open Korean Peninsula would be a historic achievement, greatly expanding the value of freedom,” he stressed.
According to the leader, a unified, nuclear-free Korean Peninsula would lead to a stronger international non-proliferation regime, promote global peace and trust efforts, and improve the safety of maritime navigation by reducing the demand for illicit trade in the Indo-Pacific.
As part of the commitment, the South Korean government plans to provide $100 million over three years to fund development cooperation projects that promote democracy in Indo-Pacific countries.
Comment (0)