President Lee: 'Security with US, Economy with China' Approach No Longer Valid

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung declared that the long-standing foreign policy framework of "Anmi-Gyeongjung", prioritizing security with the United States while focusing on economic ties with China, has become obsolete. Speaking during his state visit to Italy, Lee articulated a new approach centered on national interests in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

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South Korean foreign policy has been defined by the framework of 'Anmi-Gyeongjung' (security with the US, economy with China), but in the midst of recent geopolitical environmental changes, the existing dichotomous approach has lost its validity.

"The existing dichotomous approach has lost its validity," Lee stated in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. He explained that South Korea aims to move beyond simply balancing between the US and China. Instead, the nation will seek new strategies based on a multifaceted understanding of competitive, cooperative, and challenging factors, all guided by its own national interests.

Lee acknowledged China's significance as South Korea's largest trading partner and a crucial supply chain collaborator. However, he also pointed to the growing competitive aspects between the two nations, driven by China's advancements in industrial competitiveness and high technology. Simultaneously, he highlighted the benefits of expanding economic cooperation with the United States into advanced sectors, which he believes will bolster South Korea's industrial competitiveness and economic development.

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South Korea seeks to move beyond balancing between the US and China, instead pursuing a new approach based on national interests with a multifaceted understanding of competitive, cooperative, and challenging factors.

While reaffirming the U.S. alliance as a fundamental pillar of South Korea's foreign policy, President Lee stressed the nation's ambition to evolve from a dependent ally to a capable partner responsible for its own security. "We aim to deepen and develop the alliance in line with the times and reality, while simultaneously consolidating our self-reliance and vitalizing cooperation with various countries," he said. This vision aligns with the U.S. expectation of allies, and South Korea is pursuing objectives such as regaining wartime operational control and increasing defense spending.

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The alliance with the United States remains the basic axis of South Korean foreign policy, but we aim to deepen and develop the alliance in line with the times and reality, while simultaneously consolidating our self-reliance and vitalizing cooperation with various countries.