Visiting US Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Reaffirms "Korea-US Alliance as Foundation of Diplomacy and Security... Close Economic Ties with China"

Equidistant Diplomacy Between the US and China: "Alliance is Fundamental"
First Deputy Ministerial Meeting with Steven Biegun on the 10th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Choi Jong-geon, the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, who embarked on his first business trip to the United States since taking office, reiterated that the ROK-US alliance is the foundation of South Korea's diplomacy and security, while also emphasizing the very close economic relationship with neighboring China.

Invited by Steven Biegun, the US Deputy Secretary of State and dialogue partner, Vice Minister Choi stated this on the 9th (local time) at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC during a meeting with reporters.

In response to a question about the deepening US-China conflict and whether "the US will try to draw South Korea in, what is your position?" Choi replied, "I don't know what it means to 'draw in,' but the Republic of Korea and the United States are allies," adding, "The alliance is the foundation of our diplomacy and security."

He also reiterated the existing stance on relations with China. Vice Minister Choi said, "We are an ally of the United States while having a very close economic relationship with neighboring China," and added, "I would like to hear what vision and roadmap the US has and share our opinions." He further noted, "Communication between allies is conducted in that manner, and it seems somewhat different from the media's expression of 'leaning to one side.'"

Regarding a follow-up question about whether this implies equidistant diplomacy between the US and China, he emphasized, "It is not equidistant," and stated, "Because the alliance is fundamental."

Regarding the purpose of this visit, he said he plans to address current ROK-US issues related to the COVID-19 situation. Vice Minister Choi said, "The COVID-19 situation is severe, so there are many issues that need to be addressed between South Korea and the US," adding, "There are matters of quarantine cooperation, collaboration, and communication between the two countries."

Additionally, he said, "Although there are various issues to discuss, practically, there are matters concerning the movement of people, convenience issues, and projects that have continued for three years between the Trump administration and the Moon Jae-in administration. We will conduct a mid-term review and, as Deputy Secretary Biegun mentioned, discuss how to further revitalize the alliance."

On North Korea-related issues such as a surprise North Korea-US summit or the possibility of provocations, he took a cautious stance. Vice Minister Choi said, "Since I came to Washington as a vice minister, it will be more of a continuation of the usual communication rather than further discussion," adding, "It is about sharing situations and perceptions." Regarding ROK-Japan relations following the change of the Japanese prime minister, he said, "We will see if it will be mentioned in this dialogue," and added, "Currently, ROK-US issues are more important."

Vice Minister Choi Jong-geon is visiting Washington, US, from the 9th to the 11th at the invitation of Deputy Secretary Biegun and is scheduled to hold ROK-US deputy foreign minister talks on the 10th. This meeting is expected to involve broad discussions on overall ROK-US relations and regional situations of mutual interest.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.