South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Nov. 20, 2025 | North Korea

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized that achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula is an "imperative" that must never be abandoned. In a keynote speech delivered at the Seoul Diplomacy Forum 2025, Cho reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to preventing the peninsula from becoming a flashpoint of armed conflict and outlined the government's goal of phased denuclearization—beginning with halting North Korea's nuclear build-up, followed by reduction and eventual dismantlement.

Cho highlighted the need to strengthen South Korea’s defense capabilities against North Korean threats while simultaneously pursuing efforts to prevent unintended conflicts, reduce tensions, and restore dialogue with Pyongyang. He acknowledged the increasingly complex strategic environment caused by heightened geopolitical and geoeconomic competition, as well as growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

Additionally, Cho stressed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence beyond the Korean Peninsula and urged efforts to avoid the solidification of confrontational blocs in the region. He pledged to advance trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, as well as among South Korea, China, and Japan, in pursuit of regional stability.

Yonhap | English | News | Nov. 20, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The 23rd Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technological Exchange Conference began this week in Daejeon, South Korea, focusing on trilateral cooperation between South Korea, China, and Japan in biohealth, science, and technology. The event, organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, gathers around 300 officials from governments, companies, and economic associations of the three countries and will run for three days through Thursday.

Participants aim to exchange views on collaboration in these key sectors as well as explore broader business partnerships to drive regional economic growth. Additionally, a business conference will be held alongside the event for companies to discuss potential business and investment opportunities within each other's markets.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 20, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing and Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima presented contrasting views on regional order at the Seoul Diplomacy Forum on November 18, 2025, avoiding direct discussion of the Taiwan issue amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Dai criticized what he described as a residual Cold War mentality, exclusive groups, and protectionism primarily linked to unnamed countries, implicitly referring to the United States. He emphasized China’s stance against tariff, trade, and technology wars but warned China would defend its core interests if challenged. Dai urged Korea to maintain balanced relations with both China and the U.S.

In contrast, Mizushima highlighted Japan’s commitment to alliances and international norms, advocating for a multi-layered network including the Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance and the Quad. He noted revitalized shuttle diplomacy between Korea and Japan and Korea’s expanding diplomatic outreach into Central Asia and Africa. On North Korea, Dai stressed China’s historic ties and shared interest in stability, whereas Mizushima characterized North Korea as a regional threat and emphasized denuclearization and Japan’s abduction issue, with Korea’s support.

Singapore Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun provided a middle-power perspective on managing great-power rivalry, underscoring the need for closer cooperation among smaller states as the U.S. turns inward and China advances global initiatives amid domestic challenges. He praised Korea’s pragmatic diplomacy and its role in ASEAN cooperation and global transitions. Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, speaking through an envoy, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and the importance of restoring dialogue, regardless of the sequence of talks involving the U.S. and North Korea.