South Korea’s Taiwan policy
South Korea’s 22nd legislative elections are about to get under way. A few days ago, Lee Jae-myung, chairman of South Korea’s largest opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol during a campaign rally.
Among other policy issues, his doubts over Seoul’s foreign policy toward Taiwan were also front and center, sparking widespread discussion inside and outside the country.
Lee talked about the Yoon administration’s foreign policy actions toward Taiwan over the past two years, saying they have caused massive harm to South Korea. He added that Yoon had incessantly invited China’s ire, leading to a massive widening in the trade deficit between the two nations.
Lee’s speech reflects the internal divisions of South Korea’s Taiwan policy. On the one hand, some South Koreans believe that their country should maintain friendly relations with China. On the other hand, there are South Koreans who advocate forging ahead with far more active measures in international affairs.
Regardless of who is elected to the legislature, South Korea’s Taiwan policy is sure to face new challenges and opportunities.
Lee Che-yu
Taipei
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