South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17. This will be his first appearance on the global diplomatic stage following his recent election.

Although South Korea is not a G7 member, it has been invited to participate in expanded sessions in recent years.

The summit occurs as the G7 adopts a firmer stance toward China. This may test Lee’s approach to balancing relations between Washington and Beijing.

China-related issues are expected to be discussed, as the G7 has criticized Beijing’s economic practices and actions in the Taiwan Strait.

Analysts suggest that Lee might address perceptions of his administration’s stance on China while maintaining South Korea’s diplomatic ties.

A trilateral meeting involving South Korea, the US, and Japan could take place on the summit’s sidelines.

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🔗 Source: The Korea Times

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ South Korea’s economic interdependence with China creates diplomatic complexity

South Korea’s balancing act between the US and China is anchored in substantial economic realities that complicate Lee’s diplomatic options at the G7.

Trade with China has grown dramatically from just $6.37 billion in 1992 to $220.63 billion in 2011, making China South Korea’s largest trading partner 1.

As of 2023, China and Hong Kong still accounted for 23.7% of South Korea’s exports, creating what economists describe as “asymmetric interdependence” that influences foreign policy decisions 2.

This economic relationship exists alongside growing security concerns, with polls showing South Koreans increasingly view China negatively due to its close ties with North Korea 1.

South Korea’s export-dependent economic structure, which helped drive its remarkable growth from a GNI per capita of $67 in 1953 to $32,115 in 2019, also makes it particularly vulnerable to external economic pressures and trade disputes 3.

For Lee, this economic context creates a practical constraint on how forcefully he can align with G7 positions critical of China without risking economic retaliation similar to what South Korea experienced during previous diplomatic tensions.

2️⃣ Generational divide shapes South Korean foreign policy perspectives

President Lee faces domestic pressure reflecting a generational divide in how South Koreans view relations with major powers, particularly affecting his G7 approach.

Older generations in South Korea often express gratitude for U.S. sacrifices during the Korean War, while younger Koreans frequently harbor skepticism about America’s historical support for authoritarian regimes in their country 4.

This demographic split is evolving further as younger generations increasingly prioritize peace and security over traditional unification efforts with North Korea 5.

The Democratic Party of Korea, which Lee represents, has been recalibrating its foreign policy toward a more pragmatic, security-conscious orientation in response to these shifting domestic attitudes 5.

South Korea’s traditional progressive foreign policy frameworks are being adapted to address new security imperatives while balancing historical grievances with contemporary strategic needs 5.

This generational and ideological evolution provides important context for understanding why Lee might adopt a cautious approach at the G7, attempting to satisfy diverse domestic constituencies while navigating international pressures.

3️⃣ South Korea’s leverage in great power competition exceeds conventional wisdom

Despite being portrayed as caught between great powers, South Korea brings significant economic leverage to its diplomatic relationships that will influence Lee’s G7 strategy.

South Korea’s semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in its relationship with China, with South Korean firms dominating the market in ways that create mutual dependency rather than one-sided vulnerability 2.

This technological advantage has contributed to South Korea’s growing ability to withstand Chinese economic coercion, enabling a more assertive foreign policy stance than commonly assumed 2.

South Korea has simultaneously diversified its economic relationships, with the United States becoming the top destination for South Korean investment in 2023, reducing dependency on any single market 2.

This strategic economic positioning allows Lee more diplomatic flexibility than his predecessors had during earlier phases of South Korea’s development when the country was more vulnerable to external pressure.

The upcoming G7 summit offers Lee an opportunity to demonstrate South Korea’s growing confidence in navigating great power competition while advancing its distinct national interests.

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