South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, marking their second summit since November 2022 in Indonesia. The meeting underscores the evolving dynamics in East Asia amidst rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and shifting global alliances.
The summit, announced by South Korea’s presidential office on Thursday, aims to foster economic cooperation, enhance cultural exchanges, and address regional security challenges. Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo emphasized the importance of the discussions, stating, “The two leaders are expected to discuss various measures to facilitate economic cooperation, culture and people-to-people exchanges, and share in-depth opinions on regional security issues, including matters on the Korean Peninsula.”
A key issue likely to dominate the talks is North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Reports suggest Pyongyang has deployed troops to Russia, raising significant security concerns. South Korea views this development as a destabilizing factor for the Korean Peninsula and broader regional security, and Seoul is expected to urge Beijing to play a constructive role in addressing these concerns.
In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE on Thursday, Yoon stressed the need for continued dialogue with Beijing to promote regional stability. He remarked, “Strategic dialogue with China is crucial in encouraging it to contribute positively to peace and security in the region.”
Beijing’s recent decision to include South Korea on the list of temporary visa waiver countries has been met with optimism in Seoul. The move is seen as a gesture to enhance bilateral relations and foster “friendly sentiment” between the two countries. However, the warming ties come against a backdrop of deepening collaboration between North Korea and Russia, with potential ramifications for the region.
In addition to his meeting with Xi, President Yoon plans to engage in critical trilateral discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Building on the momentum from their standalone summit at Camp David in August 2023, the leaders aim to institutionalize their trilateral security cooperation by establishing a dedicated secretariat.
- Strengthening military interoperability: Enhancing joint military exercises and intelligence sharing to counter threats from North Korea.
- Economic security: Coordinating strategies to secure supply chains and reduce dependencies on adversarial nations.
- Technology collaboration: Establishing frameworks for cooperation in cutting-edge technologies such as AI and quantum computing.
This trilateral cooperation aligns with a broader effort to maintain regional stability amidst growing uncertainties regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly as former President Donald Trump eyes a potential return to the White House in January.
The Yoon-Xi summit highlights the intricate balancing act South Korea must perform in its foreign relations. While Seoul remains a staunch ally of Washington, it also recognizes the importance of maintaining stable ties with Beijing, a key player in the region.
China’s role as North Korea’s primary ally positions it uniquely to influence Pyongyang’s actions. However, Beijing has been cautious in its approach, balancing its strategic rivalry with the U.S. and its economic interests in the region. Analysts suggest that South Korea’s emphasis on “strategic dialogue” with China reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at leveraging Beijing’s influence over North Korea while avoiding alienation from Washington.
One of the most pressing topics for Yoon and Xi is the burgeoning partnership between North Korea and Russia. Pyongyang’s alleged deployment of troops to assist Moscow in its war in Ukraine has escalated concerns about a broader militarization of the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea and its allies have condemned this cooperation, citing the risks of advanced weaponry and technology transfers between North Korea and Russia. These developments could embolden Pyongyang in its nuclear ambitions, further destabilizing the region.
Seoul hopes to enlist Beijing’s support in curbing North Korea’s provocations. However, China’s recent reluctance to impose stricter sanctions on Pyongyang at the United Nations raises questions about its willingness to take a firm stance against its ally.
The trilateral summit with Biden and Ishiba underscores a deepening alignment among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. This partnership, solidified at Camp David, reflects a shared commitment to addressing regional security threats and ensuring economic resilience.
President Yoon has prioritized building a robust trilateral framework, recognizing the importance of collective strength in countering North Korea’s aggression and mitigating China’s growing influence. Establishing a trilateral cooperation secretariat would institutionalize these efforts, ensuring continuity regardless of leadership changes in the member nations.
The prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the White House adds an element of uncertainty to the region’s geopolitical landscape. Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy, including his direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has left mixed legacies. While some praised his efforts to open dialogue with Pyongyang, others criticized the lack of tangible outcomes and the erosion of traditional alliances.
For President Yoon, navigating these uncertainties will require a delicate balancing act. Domestically, he faces pressures to deliver tangible benefits from his diplomatic engagements, particularly as South Korea grapples with economic challenges and public concerns over national security.
The APEC summit offers a unique opportunity for President Yoon to showcase South Korea’s leadership on the global stage. Beyond his bilateral and trilateral meetings, Yoon is expected to participate in discussions on global economic recovery, climate change, and digital transformation—key issues that resonate with the APEC agenda.
South Korea’s active engagement at APEC aligns with its broader strategy to position itself as a pivotal player in shaping regional and global policies. By leveraging multilateral forums, Seoul aims to amplify its voice and strengthen its partnerships.
