President Moon Departs Today to Attend G7 Summit...Touring Three European Countries

Interest Grows Over Whether South Korea-US-Japan and South Korea-Japan Summits Will Be Held

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in will depart on the afternoon of the 11th with First Lady Kim Jung-sook for a tour of three European countries, including attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Although South Korea is not a G7 member, Korea, Australia, India, and South Africa were invited to this summit. President Moon will participate in three sections of the expanded G7 summit from the 11th to the 13th (local time): vaccines, open societies, and climate change. He will also hold bilateral talks with the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union (EU).

The G7 summit is the first in-person multilateral diplomatic event since COVID-19. President Moon plans to explain the achievements of Korea’s K-quarantine efforts and deliver messages related to global vaccine sharing and carbon neutrality issues. Topics related to the Korean Peninsula peace process and the resolution of North Korea’s nuclear issues are also of interest. If messages to counter China emerge at the G7 summit, South Korea’s diplomacy may face a test. Previously, Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun reported that the G7 joint statement might include concerns about China’s hegemonism. A Blue House official drew a line by stating, "The joint statement is not a document that the invited countries (the four countries including Korea) participate in."

China is showing caution toward the G7 summit. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 9th, Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy during a phone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, stating, "We must not follow the wrong rhythm." He also conveyed the view that Korea, as a friendly neighbor and strategic partner of China, should maintain political consensus.

There is also interest in whether President Moon will hold ‘full aside’ (informal, unofficial talks) style dialogues among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan or between South Korea and Japan in the UK. A Blue House official explained, "The leaders might stand and talk, or there will be opportunities to sit on sofas and have free conversations."

After the G7 summit, President Moon will make a state visit to Austria from the 13th to the 15th, holding separate talks with President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. From the 15th to the 17th, he will make a state visit to Spain, participating in a state banquet hosted by King Felipe VI and a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro S?nchez. He is also expected to attend business events held in Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. President Moon will return home on the 18th after completing his European tour.

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