South Korea is hosting leaders from both the United States and China this week, a period marked by concurrent protests in Seoul against both nations. President Lee Jae-Myung faces the task of balancing South Korea's long-standing alliance with the US against its significant economic ties with China. The visits are occurring amidst ongoing trade discussions between the US and South Korea, and complex relations between Seoul and Beijing.
Dual Protests in Seoul
Hundreds of protesters gathered near the United States embassy in Seoul, chanting "No Trump!" Police vehicles prevented them from reaching the embassy gates, though their voices were audible in Gwanghwamun square. Concurrently, a separate rally of several hundred people took place near Gyeongbokgung palace, with participants chanting "No China" and "CCP out!" These protests, while not large by South Korean standards, occurred as South Korea's President Lee Jae-Myung prepared to host leaders from both the United States and China.
South Korea's Position Between Global Powers
South Korea has a foundational alliance with the United States, described by leaders as a "friendship forged in blood" during the 1950-1953 Korean War. This alliance provides Washington's protection. Simultaneously, China is South Korea's largest trading partner and a crucial market for its exports.
Darcie Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace stated that South Korea exemplifies the challenges faced by many countries deeply integrated economically with both China and the US. President Lee Jae-myung is attempting to manage these relationships. Notably, Seoul is scheduled to host talks between the US and Chinese leaders on Thursday concerning their trade dispute.
US-South Korea Relations and Trade Talks
President Lee Jae-Myung, 61, assumed office after a period of political unrest, including the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol. After taking office, Lee visited the White House in August. During this visit, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in the US and purchase $100 billion worth of liquified natural gas. In response, tariffs from the US were reduced from 25% to 15%.
However, relations were affected when over 300 South Koreans were detained in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Most have since returned, but the incident impacted ties, particularly given Hyundai's role as a major investor in the US. Hye-yeon Lee, a 23-year-old protester, expressed that while the relationship between the US and South Korea may not be broken, it is being eroded.
The White House has since increased its demands in trade talks, seeking cash investments in the US. A final trade agreement has not been reached, and expectations for a breakthrough during the leaders' meeting on Wednesday are not high. John Delury, a senior fellow at the Asia Society's Centre on US-China relations, suggested that a shorter visit by Donald Trump might be beneficial for President Lee Jae-myung, as a trade breakthrough appears unlikely.
Protesters also voiced dissatisfaction with US policies. Kim Sol-yi, a 22-year-old college student, carried a banner depicting a cartoon Trump and stated that Trump's characterization of South Korea as a "money machine" caused anger, leading to questions about whether the US views South Korea as an equal partner.
Despite these sentiments, a Pew Research Centre poll conducted earlier this year indicated that nearly nine out of 10 South Koreans viewed the US as their most important ally. This poll was conducted prior to the Georgia raids.
The China Relationship
The same Pew Research Centre poll showed that a third of South Korean respondents viewed China as their country's biggest threat. Park Da-som, a 27-year-old protester against China, expressed a desire to protect South Korea from perceived increasing Chinese influence. She added that while maintaining favorable diplomatic relations with China is necessary, the focus of discontent is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Anti-Chinese sentiment in South Korea has increased since 2016, following Seoul's agreement to deploy an advanced US missile defense system, which prompted economic measures from Beijing. Historical tensions also contribute to an existing uneasy relationship. Mistrust has intensified on the political right, with Chinese interference featuring in some conspiracy theories surrounding Yoon's impeachment. Conservative groups, smaller in number but vocal, continue to oppose the impeachment and rally against China. Protest banners included messages like "Korea for Koreans" and "Stop the Chinese Boats." One café faced criticism for stating online it would refuse to serve Chinese customers, leading to allegations of racism. Soo-bin, 27, participating in the protests, stated: "We value democratic freedom and the free market economy. We want a Republic of Korea where all freedom - freedom of association, assembly, religion, expression - are protected. That is why we stand here."
Observers consider these views to be held by a minority of the Korean electorate. However, there has been an increase in anti-Chinese rhetoric following President Lee's easing of visa rules for Chinese tourist groups. Lee has proposed a bill to ban rallies promoting hatred or discrimination and has consistently expressed his intent to pursue stronger ties with China.
Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet Lee one-on-one on Saturday during his first visit to South Korea in 11 years. Xi will spend three days in Gyeongju attending the APEC summit after meeting Trump. This extended stay presents a diplomatic opportunity for China to present itself as a stable trading partner and global power. A better relationship with Beijing, which experienced strain under President Yoon, could also assist President Lee in initiating dialogue with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. The US president has indicated a willingness to talk, but no response has been received from Pyongyang.