South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stressed that engaging China aligns with US interests during a major forum on security. Speaking at the Asan Plenum 2025 in Seoul, Cho emphasized that cooperation with China supports regional stability and benefits Washington’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Cho said South Korea would maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with China based on mutual respect and shared goals. However, he also noted clear differences between the two nations. “We will speak frankly and disagree when needed,” Cho stated, referencing disputes in the South and Yellow Seas.
On the same day, South Korea and China held the Korea-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation in Seoul. Officials discussed China’s installation of structures in disputed areas of the West Sea. The region is jointly managed due to overlapping exclusive economic zones.
Cho pointed out that countries in the region do not want to choose between the US and China. Instead, they seek a peaceful balance. He emphasized that engaging China aligns with US interests, especially when considering Korea’s strong alliance with Washington.
Former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also spoke at the event. He warned that the US cannot handle the China challenge alone. Campbell called working with allies like South Korea and Japan crucial to addressing rising tensions in the region.
“Trying to go solo is a recipe for failure,” Campbell warned. He said China closely watches how the US collaborates with partners. That ability to work together, he added, gives the US an edge on the global stage.
Campbell urged Seoul to act quickly after its upcoming presidential election on June 3. He encouraged immediate outreach to the next US administration to create a shared agenda. Areas of focus should include technology and military cooperation.
He also praised South Korea’s efforts to expand the alliance into new fields, such as shipbuilding and defense. “The ROK can help us through strong and productive partnerships,” Campbell said.
Both Cho and Campbell agreed that engaging China aligns with US interests. They stressed that dialogue, not division, strengthens the Indo-Pacific. As tensions grow, strong alliances remain the most effective path forward.
