On October 9, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gave his views on the country's relationship with China, as well as his vision for unifying the Korean Peninsula.
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| South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a talk hosted by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, October 9. |
Yonhap news agency reported that speaking at a talk in Singapore organized by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, President Yoon Suk Yeol affirmed that South Korea aims to promote “rules-based” cooperation with China and resolve misunderstandings through “swift and honest” dialogue.
Although Beijing supported Pyongyang during the 1950-1953 Korean War, President Yoon made it clear: “Instead of being stuck in the past, we must focus on the future. China is a very important country for South Korea in all areas, including security, economy and investment.”
Seoul is “making efforts to shape its relationship with Beijing through constructive engagement to promote a rules-based, rational global order,” he said.
However, the South Korean leader noted: “The United States is the only ally that has provided significant support in protecting our freedom… The foundation of South Korea's diplomacy and foreign policy lies in the South Korea-US alliance.”
On the North Korean issue, President Yoon Suk Yeol presented a vision of inter-Korean unification based on liberal democracy to garner international support for his Unification Doctrine, which was first announced in August.
“If realized, a unified, free and open Korean Peninsula would be a historic achievement, greatly expanding the value of freedom,” he stressed.
According to the leader, a unified, nuclear-free Korean Peninsula would lead to a stronger international non-proliferation regime, promote global peace and trust efforts, and improve the safety of maritime operations by reducing the demand for illicit trade in the Indo -Pacific .
As part of the commitment, the South Korean government plans to provide $100 million over three years to fund development cooperation projects that promote democracy in Indo-Pacific countries.
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