With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit just days away, pragmatic diplomacy is set to define South Korea’s global posture. President Lee Jae Myung faces one of his most critical foreign policy tests as global leaders gather in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
The event will take place amid high tensions and strategic maneuvering among major powers. The anticipated meetings between the United States, China, and possibly North Korea raise expectations and risks for Seoul. President Lee’s approach to pragmatic diplomacy could determine how effectively Korea balances competing interests.
During the summit, Lee plans to hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will also meet Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen ties with Tokyo. These discussions will shape Korea’s ability to manage trade frictions and security challenges while advancing pragmatic diplomacy.
Experts said the summit represents a defining moment for Seoul’s leadership. Professor Kim Heung-kyu from Ajou University described the situation as a delicate diplomatic balancing act. He said Seoul must first resolve issues in the Korea-U.S. relationship before it can deepen cooperation with China. Kim warned that unresolved tariff disputes could constrain Korea’s strategic flexibility.
He added that Trump’s visit to Korea likely serves two purposes: advancing U.S.-China negotiations and seeking trade concessions from Seoul. Kim cautioned that moving too fast could backfire, given the rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Cha Du-hyeogn from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies noted that the APEC summit may produce limited breakthroughs. He explained that the global environment favors confrontation over compromise, making major diplomatic gains difficult. However, he said even minor bilateral progress could enhance stability and validate Seoul’s pragmatic diplomacy approach.
Kang Jun-young, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, emphasized Korea’s potential role as a mediator. He argued that Seoul could act as a natural coordinator between the U.S. and China, using pragmatic diplomacy to foster cooperation.
Kang expressed optimism that both Washington and Beijing would seek to avoid escalating tensions during the summit. He noted that as China prepares to host next year’s APEC meeting, it will likely prefer a stable, constructive outcome.
Ultimately, the success of the APEC summit will depend on whether South Korea can demonstrate leadership through pragmatic diplomacy. Even modest results could reinforce Seoul’s image as a stabilizing force in an era of uncertainty. For Lee Jae Myung, this summit offers both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine Korea’s role in global affairs.
