(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on June 30) – Pearson Global News & Education

Sharpen diplomatic playbookMore proactive diplomacy needed to tackle growing global uncertainties As South Korea stands at the crossroads of mounting geopolitical tension, the Lee Jae Myung administration must recalibrate its foreign policy with a steady hand and strategic clarity. President Lee's early weeks in office have signaled pragmatism, but the rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape leaves little room for passivity. From economic threats to regional security concerns, Seoul must act decisively to safeguard its national interests. Foremost among the challenges is the intensifying tariff dispute with the United States. The upcoming bilateral trade negotiations come at a precarious time, with U.S. President Donald Trump having adopted unpredictable, erratic policies. Trump's protectionist instincts remain undiminished, and his administration is likely to again use tariffs as leverage in broader economic and political agendas. Korea cannot afford to be a passive recipient of such pressure. It must prepare a coordinated response — mobilizing bipartisan political support in Washington, aligning domestic industry stakeholders and deploying data-driven, narrative-focused economic diplomacy to defend its export competitiveness. While addressing trade tensions is urgent, the regional security environment presents even graver strategic risks. Most notably, the growing alignment between Russia and North Korea threatens to destabilize the Korean Peninsula. Moscow's ongoing military cooperation with Pyongyang — including reported arms deals and potential technology transfers — undermines existing sanctions and introduces a new layer of unpredictability. Seoul's response must go beyond verbal condemnation. Enhanced intelligence-sharing, robust defense coordination with allies and deeper trilateral cooperation with Washington and Tokyo are essential to counterbalance this emerging axis. Equally troubling is China's increasingly assertive behavior in the West Sea. In recent months, Beijing has installed large steel structures — including converted offshore platforms and aquaculture cages — within the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), an area jointly managed under a 2001 fisheries agreement. These developments occurred without prior consultation and in defiance of the spirit of the agreement, which prohibits such fixed installations. South Korean authorities were even blocked from inspecting one of the structures by Chinese personnel in a maritime confrontation — an act described by observers as a clear violation of international norms. These unauthorized actions are part of a broader pattern of "gray-zone" tactics, whereby China seeks to assert control under the guise of civilian activity. By declaring "no-sail zones" and erecting maritime infrastructure, Beijing is not only testing Seoul's response but also challenging the integrity of regional sovereignty and the rule-based maritime order. While China insists these are lawful aquaculture facilities, the opaque manner of their deployment and the aggressive enforcement posture surrounding them merit serious diplomatic and strategic scrutiny. Yet even as Seoul confronts these provocations, it must resist being drawn into a simplistic binary rivalry between Washington and Beijing. While the U.S.-ROK alliance remains the bedrock of Korean national security, Korea must also assert its sovereignty when American policies — such as unilateral sanctions or abrupt defense policy shifts — are imposed without adequate consultation. A truly strategic foreign policy must be both allied and autonomous. The Lee administration's decision not to attend this year's NATO summit should not signal disengagement from broader global networks. On the contrary, South Korea must deepen ties with like-minded democracies across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, recognizing that security today is increasingly interconnected. Engagement with NATO members, the Quad, ASEAN and G7 partners will be key to enhancing Seoul's global standing and influence. Most critically, President Lee should seek an early summit with President Trump. Personal diplomacy has historically played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the Korea-U.S. alliance. A well-prepared, agenda-driven meeting could mitigate the risks of protectionist backlash and help reaffirm shared strategic priorities in security, technology and trade.(END)

Sharpen diplomatic playbook
More proactive diplomacy needed to tackle growing global uncertainties

As South Korea stands at the crossroads of mounting geopolitical tension, the Lee Jae Myung administration must recalibrate its foreign policy with a steady hand and strategic clarity. President Lee’s early weeks in office have signaled pragmatism, but the rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape leaves little room for passivity. From economic threats to regional security concerns, Seoul must act decisively to safeguard its national interests.

Foremost among the challenges is the intensifying tariff dispute with the United States. The upcoming bilateral trade negotiations come at a precarious time, with U.S. President Donald Trump having adopted unpredictable, erratic policies. Trump’s protectionist instincts remain undiminished, and his administration is likely to again use tariffs as leverage in broader economic and political agendas. Korea cannot afford to be a passive recipient of such pressure. It must prepare a coordinated response — mobilizing bipartisan political support in Washington, aligning domestic industry stakeholders and deploying data-driven, narrative-focused economic diplomacy to defend its export competitiveness.

While addressing trade tensions is urgent, the regional security environment presents even graver strategic risks. Most notably, the growing alignment between Russia and North Korea threatens to destabilize the Korean Peninsula. Moscow’s ongoing military cooperation with Pyongyang — including reported arms deals and potential technology transfers — undermines existing sanctions and introduces a new layer of unpredictability. Seoul’s response must go beyond verbal condemnation. Enhanced intelligence-sharing, robust defense coordination with allies and deeper trilateral cooperation with Washington and Tokyo are essential to counterbalance this emerging axis.

Equally troubling is China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the West Sea. In recent months, Beijing has installed large steel structures — including converted offshore platforms and aquaculture cages — within the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), an area jointly managed under a 2001 fisheries agreement. These developments occurred without prior consultation and in defiance of the spirit of the agreement, which prohibits such fixed installations. South Korean authorities were even blocked from inspecting one of the structures by Chinese personnel in a maritime confrontation — an act described by observers as a clear violation of international norms.

These unauthorized actions are part of a broader pattern of “gray-zone” tactics, whereby China seeks to assert control under the guise of civilian activity. By declaring “no-sail zones” and erecting maritime infrastructure, Beijing is not only testing Seoul’s response but also challenging the integrity of regional sovereignty and the rule-based maritime order. While China insists these are lawful aquaculture facilities, the opaque manner of their deployment and the aggressive enforcement posture surrounding them merit serious diplomatic and strategic scrutiny.

Yet even as Seoul confronts these provocations, it must resist being drawn into a simplistic binary rivalry between Washington and Beijing. While the U.S.-ROK alliance remains the bedrock of Korean national security, Korea must also assert its sovereignty when American policies — such as unilateral sanctions or abrupt defense policy shifts — are imposed without adequate consultation. A truly strategic foreign policy must be both allied and autonomous.

The Lee administration’s decision not to attend this year’s NATO summit should not signal disengagement from broader global networks. On the contrary, South Korea must deepen ties with like-minded democracies across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, recognizing that security today is increasingly interconnected. Engagement with NATO members, the Quad, ASEAN and G7 partners will be key to enhancing Seoul’s global standing and influence.

Most critically, President Lee should seek an early summit with President Trump. Personal diplomacy has historically played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the Korea-U.S. alliance. A well-prepared, agenda-driven meeting could mitigate the risks of protectionist backlash and help reaffirm shared strategic priorities in security, technology and trade.
(END)