Kim Ki-hyun: "The government shrinks whenever facing China... Pursue pragmatic diplomacy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, emphasized the importance of pragmatic diplomacy, stating, "This administration shrinks excessively only when facing China."

On the 16th, Kim said on Facebook, "With President Moon signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade agreement, the current administration's diplomatic capabilities are once again put to the test."

He pointed out, "Since RCEP is a China-led trade order, a major issue for our country is how to respond to the future U.S. demand to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The problem lies in the current administration's submissive and servile diplomacy, which feels almost like a lord-vassal relationship whenever China is mentioned."

Kim criticized, "On the other hand, regarding the U.S. demand to join the Quad, which is an anti-China coalition, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said, 'It is not a good idea,' and Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuk to the U.S. once caused controversy with public remarks that seemed to deny the Korea-U.S. alliance, saying 'We do not necessarily have to continue choosing the U.S.' This administration shrinks excessively only when facing China, damaging the national pride."

Regarding the Japan issue, he said, "They shouted the 'Death Song,' talked about exhuming national cemetery graves, and mentioned terminating the Korea-Japan GSOMIA while shouting 'Eradicate pro-Japanese,' but recently they have shown a bewildering attitude as if clinging and pleading to restore relations with Japan. At this point, shouldn't Cho Kuk, who has been outspoken, say something?"

He added, "Regarding Korea-Japan relations, it is time to move away from the misuse for domestic political purposes and find a way to overcome Japan with calm and rational judgment. In this difficult situation caught between the U.S., China, and Japan, I hope to see confident, dignified, and more actively pragmatic diplomacy that truly represents diplomacy."

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