Pelosi Has Left... Controversy Over Diplomatic Rudeness Spreads with 'Phone Call' and 'Empty Airport'

Meeting with President Yoon Falls Through, Was China a Factor?
Presidential Office: "Decision Made Considering National Interests Holistically"
No Korean Officials Present During Pelosi's Arrival, Criticism of 'Protocol Neglect' Raised

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, who is visiting Korea, is speaking at a meeting with Kim Jin-pyo, Speaker of the National Assembly, held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Controversy is spreading over the 'protocol snub' by the South Korean government and National Assembly regarding the visit of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the third-highest ranking official in the U.S. power hierarchy. Criticism has arisen that the diplomacy was unbefitting of an ally, starting from President Yoon Suk-yeol opting for a phone call instead of a meeting with Speaker Pelosi, to no Korean officials greeting her upon arrival.

Speaker Pelosi arrived on the night of the 3rd via the U.S. Air Force base in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, and held a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo for about an hour the next morning. In the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon had a phone call lasting about 40 minutes with Pelosi, discussing the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance. The Presidential Office explained that the meeting between President Yoon and Speaker Pelosi was not scheduled due to overlapping with the president’s vacation.

However, speculation is rife within and outside political circles that the government was mindful of China. Given the heightened U.S.-China tensions following Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan just before coming to Korea, it is viewed that the government was cautious about China’s stance. Even within the ruling party, criticism arose calling President Yoon’s decision not to meet Pelosi a 'diplomatic faux pas.'

Regarding this, Choi Young-beom, Chief of Public Relations, explained at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 4th, “We informed the U.S. side in advance that it was difficult to schedule a courtesy visit due to the overlap of Speaker Pelosi’s visit and President Yoon’s vacation, and Pelosi’s side fully understood.” However, Chief Choi indirectly revealed consideration of relations with China by stating that the absence of a meeting between President Yoon and Speaker Pelosi was “a decision made after comprehensively considering national interests.” He added, “The answer to the specific meaning of ‘a decision considering national interests’ lies in the realm of the media.”

During this Asia tour, Speaker Pelosi met with all heads of state except President Yoon. Starting with Singapore on the 1st, she met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob of Malaysia, and President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, all the highest-ranking officials of their respective countries. Currently visiting Japan, Pelosi also met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for breakfast on the 5th. Consequently, some point out that President Yoon’s choice to only have a phone call with Pelosi appears to be a move more mindful of China.

Criticism has also been raised over the absence of Korean protocol personnel to greet Speaker Pelosi upon her arrival on the 3rd. In response, the Presidential Office stated that all protocol arrangements for the U.S. House Speaker’s visit are handled by the National Assembly, and that Pelosi’s side declined a reception due to the late hour of arrival in Korea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed a similar stance. At a regular briefing on the 4th, Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Eun-joo said, “For visits by foreign parliamentary leaders such as speakers of foreign legislatures, it is customary that officials from our executive branch do not go out to greet them,” emphasizing that Pelosi’s protocol is the responsibility of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly is reported to have decided not to send protocol personnel after prior practical consultations with Pelosi’s side.

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