South Korea is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape as it simultaneously hosts US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with public protests highlighting the nation’s precarious position between the two superpowers. President Lee Jae Myung faces the challenge of balancing long-standing alliances with economic dependencies amid ongoing trade negotiations and rising nationalist sentiments.
In central Seoul, hundreds of protesters gathered near the US embassy, chanting “No Trump!” and expressing anger over perceived unequal treatment. Simultaneously, another group rallied against Chinese influence, shouting “No China!” and calling for the ouster of the Chinese Communist Party. These demonstrations, though small by South Korean standards, underscore the domestic pressures on Lee’s administration as he prepares for high-stakes meetings with both leaders.
South Korea’s relationship with the United States is rooted in a military alliance forged during the Korean War, with nearly 90% of South Koreans viewing the US as their most important ally. However, recent events, including a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia that detained over 300 South Koreans, have strained ties and fueled public disillusionment. This incident has raised questions about the equality of the partnership, especially as Hyundai is a major investor in the US.
Economically, China is South Korea’s largest trading partner, making stable relations crucial for prosperity. Under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, ties with Beijing soured, but Lee has signaled a shift towards engagement, including easing visa rules for Chinese tourist groups. This move has sparked criticism from some quarters, leading to increased anti-Chinese rhetoric and protests that accuse China of encroaching on South Korean sovereignty.
Lee’s diplomatic tightrope walk comes after a tumultuous period in South Korean politics. His predecessor’s impeachment following a short-lived martial law order left the country polarized, and Lee’s victory in June was emphatic but set against a backdrop of division. His visit to the White House in August seemed to mend fences, with South Korea pledging $350 billion in US investments and Trump agreeing to lower tariffs from 25% to 15%, though a final trade deal remains elusive.
Trade negotiations have hit further snags, with Trump now pushing for cash investments, and hopes for a breakthrough during his visit are low. Analysts suggest that a brief, uneventful stay by Trump might be preferable for Lee, avoiding additional complications. The protests reflect broader frustrations, with one college student noting that Trump’s description of South Korea as a “money machine” felt demeaning and highlighted concerns about being treated as a cash cow rather than an equal partner.
Anti-Chinese sentiment has grown steadily since 2016, when Seoul agreed to deploy a US missile defense system, prompting economic retaliation from Beijing. While most South Koreans seek pragmatic relations with China, a fringe element opposes what they see as encroaching influence, with some businesses even refusing to serve Chinese customers. Lee has proposed legislation to ban hate-promoting rallies, aiming to curb such extremism and maintain social harmony.
Xi Jinping’s visit, his first to South Korea in 11 years, offers a chance to reposition China as a stable trading partner and global power, especially as he spends more time in the country than Trump. This could aid Lee in pursuing dialogue with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, a goal of his Democratic Party, as previous Trump-Kim summits were facilitated by South Korean leaders from the same party. However, Pyongyang has yet to respond to overtures for renewed engagement.
Ultimately, South Korea’s prosperity and security hinge on managing these superpower relationships. As a rising soft-power giant with a booming economy and global cultural influence, Lee must carefully navigate this diplomatic minefield without alienating either key partner, ensuring the nation’s continued growth and stability on the world stage amid evolving geopolitical tensions.