Joseph Yun, the Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, stated on March 10 that China is the United States' biggest competitor. He emphasized that S. Korea’s stance on China, particularly regarding trade and security, should fully align with that of the U.S.
At the launch of a new parliamentary organization—the Korea-U.S. Congressional Alliance, which aims to strengthen legislative diplomacy—Yun suggested that S. Korea should take an active role in supporting the hardline approach toward China expected under President Donald Trump’s second term. He emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties between lawmakers from both countries to reinforce the alliance.
Having assumed the role of acting U.S. ambassador to S. Korea after Philip Goldberg’s departure in January, he also addressed concerns that S. Korea could be sidelined in international discussions, particularly if U.S.-Russia relations improve and Moscow takes on a mediating role in U.S.-North Korea talks.
In response to Jeon Jae-sung, a professor at Seoul National University, who raised concerns over growing media discussions about “Korea passing” (being sidelined in international diplomacy), Yun rejected the idea, stressing that it will not happen.
Reflecting on Trump’s first term, Yun said the U.S. administration had established a framework for negotiations at the 2018 Singapore summit and sought a deal at the 2019 Hanoi summit. He added that the likely approach would be to build on those past meetings as a foundation for renewed talks.
Previously, some diplomatic experts have speculated that a second Trump administration might shift its North Korea policy from denuclearization to freezing the country’s nuclear arsenal. However, Yun’s remarks indicated that Washington would not abandon its original objective.
Although the Hanoi summit ended without an agreement, Yun’s comments suggested that President Trump might again consider holding a U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore or Vietnam. He also emphasized that Washington recognized the need for Seoul’s involvement in any renewed talks.
Yun noted that officials in Washington recognized the importance of S. Korea’s involvement and consultation in the process, emphasizing that any future negotiations with North Korea would not sideline Seoul.
However, when asked about the possibility of Washington establishing diplomatic ties with Pyongyang, Yun downplayed the idea, saying there was still much to be done before such a step could be considered and that it remained a distant prospect.
Ahead of the next U.S.-South Korea summit, Yun said Seoul should highlight key aspects of the alliance, including S. Korea’s role as a major trading partner, its significant investments in U.S. job creation, and its status as the only Asian country hosting U.S. troops on its mainland.
He also pointed out that Trump has taken a strong interest in the shipbuilding sector and suggested that Washington and Seoul should seek ways to expand investment and cooperation in the industry.