'K-Submarine' moves to the center in Korea's defense ambition SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - Nuclear submarines, once a politically sensitive topic in South Korea, have abruptly moved into the mainstream after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Seoul's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine program. With Washington's unusually explicit approval, President Lee Jae Myung elevated submarine cooperation to the top of his diplomatic agenda, raising the issue in back-to-back summits with Canada and Thailand on the sidelines of the APEC meetings in Gyeongju. For years, Korea's submarine capabilities have remained overshadowed by its global dominance in commercial shipbuilding. That perception is beginning to shift. In talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Seoul proposed launching a new Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership to expand joint defense research and industrial collaboration. The discussion comes as Canada prepares a 60 trillion won ($44 billion) next-generation submarine procurement, in which several Korean firms have been shortlisted. During his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Lee emphasized the need for closer defense and maritime cooperation and encouraged Korean companies to participate in Thailand's defense-modernization projects. Submarines occupy one of the highest tiers of military trust. Whether nuclear-powered or diesel-electric, their propulsion systems, operational doctrine and crew training structures remain among a nation's most tightly guarded secrets. By placing submarines at the center of bilateral dialogue, Seoul is signaling that submarine cooperation has become a new measure of alliance confidence. "Submarines are not a sudden diplomatic trend," said Nam Dong-woo, senior advisor at Hanwha Ocean. "Diesel-electric submarine exports have been progressing for years. The current talks simply continue that trajectory." South Korea now designs and builds its own 3,000-ton KSS-III (Dosan Ahn Changho class) submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems and lithium-ion batteries, allowing them to remain submerged longer and operate more quietly than traditional diesel models. Unusually for a non-nuclear state, South Korea has also successfully tested submarine-launched ballistic missiles, giving its fleet a rare form of strategic deterrent capability. These advances place South Korea among the small group of nations with full-cycle design, manufacturing and export capacity. "South Korea is one of the few countries capable of building large conventional submarines powered by diesel-electric engines equipped with AIP systems," said Yang Uk, research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that Korea's commercial shipbuilding strength has naturally extended into submarine expertise, helping build its reputation as a reliable supplier. Major builders Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries anchor the sector, combining proven export experience with cost-efficient, high-performance designs. Their momentum is reflected in the stock market. Over the past year, Hanwha Ocean shares have surged about 415 percent, from 26,750 won ($19) to around 138,000 won ($100), while Hyundai Heavy Industries has jumped roughly 230 percent, from 182,600 won ($132) to 603,000 won ($437). The submarine drive is closely tied to Lee's goal of making South Korea the world's fourth-largest defense exporter by 2030. Submarines, alongside fighter jets and advanced artillery systems, sit at the top of the K-Defense portfolio not only for their technological prestige but also for their long-term economic value. Each contract typically spans decades of maintenance, logistics support and crew training, creating years of sustained partnerships rather than one-off sales. Nam said the U.S. decision to approve Seoul's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine offers major momentum. "Few countries gain such direct access to the U.S. defense market," he said. "Once Washington opens that gate, it validates Seoul’s defense credibility worldwide — from North America to Europe and beyond." The growing emphasis on submarines also reflects shifting regional dynamics. North Korea claims to have fielded a nuclear-armed submarine, though experts view the capability as limited, and China and Russia have stepped up joint naval operations across the Pacific. As Seoul's submarine diplomacy accelerates, experts caution that the next test lies in ensuring unified political leadership. Nam noted that defense exports can no longer rely solely on private initiative. "What matters now is how the government takes the lead," he said. "Korea needs a clear control tower to turn defense exports into a coordinated national strategy, and that moment has arrived." 2025-10-31 17:28:41

Seoul nears nuke submarine ambition upon Trump blessing SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Whether by catering to personal ego or through a calculated diplomatic playbook, Seoul secured what had long seemed unattainable: U.S. backing for a nuclear-powered submarine, delivered during U.S. President Donald Trump's brief visit ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Before departing Korea, Trump posted Thursday that Seoul would build its "Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards," signaling his approval of South Korea joining the exclusive club of nations operating nuclear-propelled submarines. During their summit prior to the announcement, President Lee Jae Myung formally requested U.S. support for securing nuclear fuel for submarine propulsion — the first time a South Korean leader has raised the matter directly with a U.S. president. Lee argued that diesel-electric submarines lack the underwater endurance needed to track North Korean and Chinese submarines, while nuclear propulsion would enhance regional surveillance and reduce the burden on U.S. naval assets. "Nuclear-powered submarines offer far greater endurance, speed and survivability, giving South Korea meaningful deterrent capability," said Shin Seung-ki, research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). "For Seoul and Washington, the interests converge — South Korea deters the North, and the U.S. balances China." Nuclear-powered submarines rely on compact reactors rather than diesel engines, enabling months-long underwater operation and a larger weapons payload. Such vessels fall into two broad categories: SSBNs, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and SSNs, which are conventionally armed. Seoul’s goal is an SSN, requiring nuclear fuel solely for propulsion. But the project touches one of the most sensitive elements of the alliance: whether nuclear fuel supplied to South Korea can be used for military purposes. Under the U.S.–ROK Atomic Energy Agreement, Seoul must obtain Washington's explicit consent to receive nuclear fuel or related reactor technology. Any amendment would require congressional review and lengthy negotiations — hurdles Trump's approval alone cannot erase. South Korea already operates advanced submarine platforms and is developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology that could eventually support naval propulsion. Still, experts emphasize that integrating such systems into an operational SSN requires time, funding and strict safeguards. "Given Korea's shipbuilding strength and reactor expertise, the project is technically feasible within seven to nine years," Shin said. "Once the National Assembly approves funding, forming the project team, designing, building and testing the vessel would follow that timeline." For Trump, the announcement dovetails with his push to revive U.S. shipbuilding and reinforce industrial partnerships that generate American jobs. For Seoul, it opens a rare diplomatic window to advance an agenda long stalled by proliferation concerns. The move also aligns with Trump's tariff strategy. Seoul's $350 billion investment package — including $200 billion in cash and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation under the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative — directly involves the U.S. industry that will now host South Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine program. The political calculus proved mutually beneficial: Lee projected decisive national-security leadership, while Trump showcased a strategic and industrial win rooted in allied cooperation. 2025-10-30 17:35:08

Seoul draws less risky terms than Tokyo in U.S. investment deal SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - South Korea and the United States finalized a long-pending tariff agreement on Wednesday, cementing the structure of Seoul's massive investment framework with Washington. Under the deal, South Korea's $350 billion package will consist of $200 billion in direct cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation aligned with the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative. The agreement upholds a 15 percent tariff rate — including duties on auto parts first negotiated in July — and adds provisions requiring all U.S.-bound investments to meet "commercial rationality" standards to limit market risks. After the signing, U.S. President Donald Trump framed the agreement as a major win for Washington, writing on his social media platform Thursday that "South Korea has agreed to pay the USA 350 billion dollars for a lowering of the tariffs." He added that Korean purchases of American oil and gas, alongside new investments by Korean companies, would "exceed 600 billion dollars," and said he had approved Seoul's plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine at the Philadelphia Shipyards. Kim Yong-beom, senior presidential policy secretary, said Seoul's $200 billion cash component will be capped at $20 billion annually to prevent currency-market shocks. A joint investment committee will vet all projects to ensure they are commercially sound. "Although the overall structure is similar to Japan's $550 billion package with the U.S., the key difference is that we set an annual investment ceiling of $20 billion," Kim said. "By investing within that limit and based on project progress, the impact on Korea's foreign-exchange market will remain manageable." He added that the two sides agreed to split profits equally until principal and interest are fully recovered, with mechanisms to adjust the ratio if the balance is not repaid within 20 years to secure a fair return. Japan, which signed its $550 billion financial and industrial package with the U.S. a day earlier in Tokyo, adopted a more state-driven approach centered on nuclear energy, semiconductor infrastructure and artificial-intelligence cooperation under government direction. By contrast, Seoul's framework blends government coordination with strong private-sector participation, built around phased annual investments and safeguards designed to contain foreign-exchange and project-execution risks. With differing strategies, the three countries are expected to deepen trilateral cooperation on emerging technologies and security, including AI and supply-chain resilience. 2025-10-30 11:58:40

Pyongyang answers Trump's overture with calibrated missile test SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to keep his hopes up for a rendezvous with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his short visit to South Korea for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events, and the North responded in a pointed yet carefully managed missile test. North Korea "conducted a test-fire of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea of Korea" on Tuesday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the following day. The missiles flew about 7,800 seconds — roughly 130 minutes — before hitting a preset target. KCNA framed the launch as part of a broader effort to "steadily expand the sphere of application of war deterrents," presenting the test as a routine upgrade of its deterrence capacity. The timing coincided with Trump's touchdown in the southern port city of Busan and appeared to serve as Pyongyang's symbolic answer to the U.S. president's repeated public overtures for a meeting with Kim during his brief stay. Asked about the launch aboard Air Force One en route from Tokyo to Busan, Trump dismissed it lightly, saying Kim had been "launching missiles for decades." He reiterated that "at some point, we'll be involved with North Korea," adding that he hoped to meet the North Korean leader "not too distant future." Trump has been signaling openness to engagement since the start of his first Asia tour in his second presidency, focused on summits with ASEAN and APEC states as well as trade issues. He notably referred to North Korea as "a sort of a nuclear power," echoing Pyongyang's long-standing demand for implicit recognition of its nuclear status before talks resume with Washington. The measured missile test shows Pyongyang opting for leverage rather than immediate diplomatic reciprocation. Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AJP the launch was aimed at asserting North Korea's presence during a week when global attention is focused on the APEC summit. "APEC brings together countries across the Asia-Pacific," Cho said. "North Korea is part of the region, yet it cannot take part in the forum." He added that Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui's trip to Russia and her appearance at a Eurasian security meeting in Belarus also reflected Pyongyang's desire to remain visible during APEC week. The test's tone and design suggested deliberate restraint. Senior officials including Pak Jong Chon and Kim Jong Sik oversaw the launch, but Kim Jong-un did not attend — extending his recent pattern of skipping weapons tests to keep provocations controlled. Cho noted that cruise-missile activities do not violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and that firing inland from the sea rather than outward kept the provocation within managed limits. Still, the launch cast a muted shadow over the diplomatic choreography surrounding the APEC summit in Gyeongju, where Trump is scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. For Seoul, the episode underscores both the fragility of regional stability and the challenge of dealing with a Pyongyang that mixes provocation with strategic patience, while North Korea, with nothing to lose, would be content with the momentary spotlight. 2025-10-29 15:49:36

Global searches surge for APEC as world leaders arrive at Gyeongju SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - South Korea and its ancient city Gyeongju have grabbed global attention as they ready to receive government and corporate leaders across Asia-Pacific region and host the two superpowers locked in high-stake trade confrontation, while speculation swirl about an uninvited featuring by the North Korean leader. This year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has dominated news cycles, pulling headlines ranging from Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to BTS RM and rare-earth elements – an unusually broad mix of politics, celebrity culture, and industrial strategy converging on a single event. According to Google Trends on Tuesday, searches for "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation" have surged in the days leading up to the summit week. South Korea saw the highest search interest, followed by China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Global attention to APEC has climbed steadily in recent weeks, reaching its highest point this week. The previous peak came on Oct. 2, coinciding with the release of a promotional teaser for the APEC 2025 Korea summit, which featured South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, G-Dragon, Park Ji-sung and other Korean superstars. The uptick also followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the summit. Search interest in RM also jumped after it was announced that the BTS leader will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit. Top associated search terms such as "2025," "APEC South Korea 2025," "Gyeongju," and "Donald Trump" underscore growing attention to this year's high-profile participants. Offline, the host country and city are busy making the final checks on the packed schedule of bilateral meetings. Lee is set to meet Trump on Wednesday, Takaichi on Thursday and Xi on Saturday. Trump and Xi will also hold a separate U.S.-China summit on Thursday, expected to dominate the week's headlines. The Lee-Trump summit will focus on the long-delayed $350 billion investment and tariff negotiations, defense industry cooperation and semiconductor supply chains, along with extended deterrence against North Korea. Lee's meeting with Takaichi will focus on semiconductor cooperation, export controls and historical disputes, while the two countries navigate an ongoing diplomatic realignment. During Lee's first meeting with Xi — also Xi's first visit to South Korea in 11 years — both leaders are expected to explore ways to recalibrate their relationship amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Meanwhile, the Trump-Xi meeting will mark the first face-to-face encounter since Trump's return to the White House. Officials have signaled discussions on tariff adjustments and export controls on rare-earth materials, as both sides seek to ease tensions while protecting strategic interests. Beyond the four key summits among South Korea, the U.S., China and Japan, most of the remaining 21 APEC economies will send top-level delegations to Gyeongju. Confirmed participants include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Chilean President Gabriel Boric will be the only Latin American leader attending in person. Some economies are sending senior representatives instead of heads of state. Russia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, while Taiwan plans to dispatch former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and cabinet-level officials from Peru and Mexico will also join the sessions. Special guests include UAE Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. 2025-10-28 16:56:11

Seoul pushes ASEAN ties beyond trade to digital and maritime fronts SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korea is moving to expand relationship with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) beyond trade and economic front to push for common security goals amid volatility around Asia-Pacific superpowers – the United States and China. President Lee Jae Myung, in his address at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, described ASEAN as "neighbors who have overcome hardships together," calling the bloc South Korea's closest partners in both geography and spirit. Korea and ASEAN elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) last year — ASEAN's highest level of external cooperation — and Lee pledged to further advance the partnership under what he called a "CSP Vision" of contributor, springboard and partner. "South Korea will serve as a contributor to ASEAN's aspirations, a springboard for innovation and a partner for peace and stability," Lee said, announcing plans to host a special Korea-ASEAN summit in 2029 to mark the 40th anniversary of relations. The CSP Vision reflects a broader shift from earlier trade-centered engagement toward multidimensional partnership spanning political dialogue, economic integration and shared security goals. Seoul's ASEAN outreach comes as the region is caught in the crossfire between Washington and Beijing amid their tit-for-tat tariffs and trade sanctions. The strategy has already paid off. According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea's total trade with the ten ASEAN member states reached $192.8 billion (about 270 trillion won) in 2024, accounting for about 16 percent of its total trade. As of September 2025, Vietnam ($69.5 billion, 97 trillion won), Singapore ($22.8 billion, 32 trillion won) and Malaysia ($20.4 billion, 29 trillion won) remain Korea's top ASEAN trading partners. Korea wants to bolster trade volume to $300 billion (about 420 trillion won) by 2030, while expanding cooperation in semiconductors, batteries, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure to diversify supply chains and hedge against global uncertainties. "Amid the U.S.-China trade confrontation, ASEAN is leading efforts to sustain an open trading order," said Park Min Joung, research professor at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security. "By engaging through ASEAN's platform, President Lee is helping Korea harness the potential of the world's largest free-trade zone at a time when the global trade order is under strain." Lee signaled that South Korea's cooperation with ASEAN will go beyond trade to non-traditional security issues such as transnational crime and maritime safety. He cited the rapid spread of scam networks across regional borders and pledged stronger coordination with ASEANAPOL to fight them collectively. "Scam operations are not problems that any single or bilateral cooperation can solve," said Park. "When Cambodia cracked down, these criminal groups simply moved to Thailand or Myanmar. By engaging through the ASEAN framework, Korea could establish a regional mechanism for joint action against cross-border crime." ASEAN's neutrality gives it added weight as a diplomatic platform for middle-power nations seeking balance amid great-power rivalry. Lee's emphasis on cooperation with ASEAN, known for its independent foreign policy, underscores Seoul's intent to pursue autonomous yet balanced engagement through Southeast Asia. As the APEC summit opens this week, Seoul's ASEAN overture serves as both a diplomatic rehearsal and a strategic signal, positioning Korea as a proactive and reliable partner in the evolving Indo-Pacific order. 2025-10-27 16:51:12

D-7: Korean Inc. to indulge APEC guests with latest innovations SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - A drone gala will light up the night sky and hydrogen-powered limousines will shuttle guests who can try out the world's first tri-fold smartphones. K-Pop Demon Hunters-themed snacks and K-beauty items will be everywhere. All things Korean — now globally adored — will fill the APEC venue in Gyeongju next week as Korean Inc. flaunts its latest innovations and hottest creations. From semiconductor titans to clean-energy pioneers, this year's APEC in Korea will bring together some 1,700 CEOs and executives from 21 economies. While trade talks between the U.S. and China are likely to dominate headlines, businesses are preparing to capitalize on the gathering in one of the world's most digital-savvy, high-tech manufacturing hubs. Hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the APEC CEO Summit runs from Oct. 28 to 31 under the slogan "Bridge, Business, Beyond." It serves as the region's premier platform for industry diplomacy — where innovation and investment often move faster than politics. Who's coming, what's on the table NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, making his first official visit to Korea in 15 years, will deliver a keynote on Oct. 31, sharing his outlook for artificial intelligence and robotics. He is expected to meet Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-young and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to discuss cooperation on high-bandwidth memory and AI chips. SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is also expected, though not yet confirmed. His attendance could advance talks on large-scale AI infrastructure and investment. Huang and Chey have been collaborating on the StarGate Project — a mega-scale AI alliance linking SK Group, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and OpenAI. If schedules align, Gyeongju could see a rare three-way meeting among Huang, Chey, and Son. Top executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, and international bodies such as the OECD, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank will also attend. Korean conglomerates step up For South Korea's major groups, APEC doubles as both a business fair and a showcase of soft power. Hanwha Group will stage a massive fireworks-and-drone gala over Bomun Lake on Oct. 31, featuring 50,000 fireworks and 2,000 drones. Hyundai Motor Group will provide 192 official vehicles, including hydrogen-powered buses and Genesis sedans, for visiting leaders. LG Group is running global APEC ad campaigns across Seoul, New York, and London, while LG Uplus handles on-site telecom networks. Lotte Group oversees hotels, catering, and cruise lodging. Samsung Electronics plans to unveil its new tri-fold smartphone, underscoring next-generation display leadership, and SK Group will host the FutureTech Forum AI, where Chey Tae-won will present Korea's AI ecosystem strategy. According to organizers, 66 Korean companies are sponsoring or supporting the summit. Local small and mid-sized firms from North Gyeongsang Province will showcase homegrown foods and beverages at the APEC Economic Exhibition Hall — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pitch to global buyers on home turf. APEC boost: who stands to gain Sectors tied to semiconductors, batteries, and infrastructure stand to benefit directly from APEC momentum. Discussions on AI and data infrastructure are expected to favor SK hynix and Samsung Electronics, key suppliers to global cloud firms. SK hynix shares have jumped 41.5 percent over the past month — from 357,500 won ($260) to 506,000 won ($367) — while Samsung Electronics gained 15.8 percent, from 85,400 won ($62) to 98,900 won ($72). Hyundai Motor and Kia rose 16 percent and 11 percent respectively in the same period, buoyed by expectations of clean-mobility and hydrogen cooperation. According to KCCI and Deloitte, the APEC events could generate an economic impact of 7.4 trillion won ($5.3 billion) and create about 22,000 new jobs — leaving a long-term mark on both Korea's global business diplomacy and its innovation brand. 2025-10-24 16:49:33

D-8: APEC summits to arrive with fully packed agendas of their own SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Big and small Asia-Pacific economies alike are preparing to leverage next week's APEC summit in Gyeongju to advance their respective agendas in a trade environment reshaped under the second Trump presidency. New and familiar faces among APEC leaders will descend on South Korea's southern ancient city carrying fully loaded diplomatic and economic agendas — each aiming to redefine its position in the emerging post-globalization trade order. From the fate of Seoul's $350 billion investment pledge in the United States to the escalating U.S.–China tariff standoff and Japan's expansionary policy shift, every bilateral engagement is set to influence how Asia's next trade architecture will evolve. South Korea–U.S.: $350 billion investment and tariff negotiations For the host country, the top priority will be finalizing the structure of its $350 billion investment pledge in the U.S. — a package covering EV plants, battery gigafactories, and semiconductor facilities. Talks have entered the final stretch ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's arrival in Gyeongju. South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said Seoul is "making every effort to reach an agreement during the summit period." The U.S. maintains that only direct cash investments should qualify for tariff concessions, while Seoul argues that loan guarantees and joint-funded vehicles carry equal economic value. Discussions have also expanded to include a phased reduction of the 25 percent U.S. tariff on South Korean automobiles and the creation of a joint semiconductor-supply-chain infrastructure fund. After months of back-and-forth, both sides are still ironing out details — including the cash ratio, installment schedule, and profit-sharing structure — effectively negotiating an investment-for-tariff swap. U.S.–China: Rare-earth leverage meets tariff threats Tensions between Washington and Beijing have intensified over rare-earth elements, essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense systems. President Trump has threatened to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese imports beginning Nov. 1, in response to Beijing's tighter export controls on rare-earth materials and related technologies. If implemented, the total tariff burden on Chinese goods entering the U.S. could rise to as high as 157 percent. Beijing, which commands over 90 percent of global rare-earth supply and nearly all refining capacity, has expanded its export bans from seven to twelve elements — including dysprosium and terbium, for which the U.S. depends on China for more than 97 percent of imports. Rare-earths are indispensable across U.S. industries, from iPhones to Tesla EVs. China's new restrictions on the transfer of extraction and refining technologies, set to take effect Dec. 1, will further tighten the squeeze on Washington. Given the stakes, global attention will focus on whether the leaders of the two superpowers will hold a face-to-face meeting in Gyeongju and whether any progress can be made toward de-escalating tariff tensions at APEC. South Korea–Japan: Pragmatic supply-chain repair For Seoul and Tokyo, APEC offers a fresh opportunity to consolidate industrial cooperation and restore trust in strategic sectors. Both governments are preparing to resume joint R&D and standardization talks on semiconductor and battery materials, as they seek to rebuild mutual confidence in technology and supply-chain partnerships. Japan aims to reassert its position as a reliable supplier of high-purity chemicals, while South Korea looks to solidify its role as a global foundry hub. Recent exchanges between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signaled shared intent to pursue pragmatic collaboration and develop stable industrial frameworks in Northeast Asia. Expanding beyond major powers Beyond the major powers, South Korea is widening its economic outreach across emerging and resource-rich partners to strengthen its strategic footing in the region. In Southeast Asia, Seoul is advancing projects in hydrogen energy, renewable power, and digital trade. Vietnam and Indonesia are emerging as pivotal partners, with South Korean firms establishing EV and battery production lines to diversify supply chains away from China. The aim is to transform ASEAN from a manufacturing base into a green and digital growth partner. At the same time, South Korea is deepening cooperation with Australia, Chile, and Peru to secure stable, long-term supplies of lithium, nickel, and LNG — resources critical to its clean-energy transition. These partnerships, coupled with Seoul's initiatives to improve transparency in green investment and harmonize digital trade standards, reflect a broader push toward a more balanced and sustainable regional economy — one designed to reduce dependence on Chinese materials while expanding Korea's industrial influence across the Indo-Pacific. Behind the ceremony, APEC 2025 is shaping up as a stress test for how far economic cooperation can stretch amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry. The discussions in Gyeongju — spanning tariffs, supply chains, and technology standards — underscore a region recalibrating its balance between competition and interdependence. 2025-10-23 17:13:39

Unscripted diplomacy may steal the APEC Gyeongju show SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Last-minute agenda-setting bustle is in full swing with nine days left until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit brings together most-watched global leaders to the ancient city of Gyeongju, South Korea. Bets are high on a potential showdown between U.S. and Chinese leaders as stakes on the tariff war go ever higher. The stage sets the first meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as well as the diplomatic debut for Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. Speculation about an impromptu encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un adds to the intrigue. Unscripted diplomacy may steal this year's APEC, whose official agenda centers on trade, technology and inclusive growth. U.S.-China Summit? The biggest question heading into APEC week is whether Trump and Xi will hold their first face-to-face talks since Trump's return to the White House. Their last meeting took place in Osaka in June 2019 on the sidelines of the G20, months before trade negotiations between the two collapsed. The most recent leader-level contact came under the Biden administration at the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco. Now, with tariff disputes dominating headlines, attention is again turning to the world's two largest economies. Chinese and U.S. officials are set to hold a high-level meeting in Malaysia this week, interpreted as groundwork for a potential Trump-Xi summit in Gyeongju. Expectations have grown as Washington signals possible movement on the issue. Trump said Monday he expected to strike a "fantastic deal" with China — describing it as a fair and reciprocal agreement similar to those recently signed with South Korea, Japan and the European Union (EU). He added that he planned to meet Xi during APEC in Korea, suggesting the summit could mark their first direct encounter in six years. Seoul's Bilateral Diplomacy with Tokyo and Beijing Working-level talks are also under way for a summit between South Korea and Japan, and discussions are ongoing for a possible meeting between South Korea and China. In Tokyo, Prime Minister Takaichi is preparing for her diplomatic debut. "South Korea is an important neighbor and a necessary partner in tackling global challenges," she said shortly after taking office, adding that she hopes to meet Lee soon. Her remarks signaled Tokyo's willingness to sustain dialogue even under a conservative administration. Still, her right-leaning cabinet has stirred unease in Seoul, where the APEC encounter is seen as the first test of a renewed bilateral relationship. Seoul's summit with China is also on the radar. Since his inauguration, Lee has met with the leaders of the U.S. and Japan but not with Xi, leaving a visible gap in his regional outreach. The upcoming APEC offers a natural venue to change that. "If Xi attends APEC but skips a summit with President Lee, that message would be enormous," said Lee Dong-gyu, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. "It could be seen as Beijing deliberately distancing itself from the Lee administration. But I don't think China would want to damage the relationship to that extent." North Korea: Another Panmunjom Moment? Trump's visit to Gyeongju for APEC has reignited speculation over a possible meeting with Kim Jong-un. The memory of their impromptu handshake at Panmunjom in 2019 — arranged in less than 32 hours after Trump tweeted his willingness to meet Kim — continues to fuel rumors of another "surprise summit," though experts remain largely skeptical. Yoshihiro Makino, visiting professor at Hiroshima University, said the 2019 encounter was preceded by months of quiet coordination between Washington and Pyongyang, something absent this time. "There is no visible preparation, no working-level contact, no back channel between the two countries," he said. "If it happens, it would be purely a surprise encounter — nothing more, nothing less." Still, many agree that Trump's unpredictability makes such speculation impossible to dismiss entirely. Meanwhile, North Korea made sure it remains in the picture by firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday – its first launch since Lee took office in June and the first in about five months. The launch, coming just days before the APEC summit, appeared aimed at gaining diplomatic leverage. AJP contacted the White House to confirm whether a Trump-Kim encounter was discussed or included in the president's APEC schedule but has not yet received a response. Beyond the headline meetings, APEC's sidelines are expected to be packed. South Korea is arranging talks with Indonesia and Vietnam on supply-chain and artificial intelligence cooperation, with more diplomatic engagements expected throughout the week. 2025-10-22 16:33:01

Seoul fears rise of new ultra-conservative government in Tokyo may bring out old skeletons SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - As Japan welcomes its first female state leader, Sanae Takaichi, elected Tuesday as the country’s 104th prime minister, Seoul is watching closely — wary that a rightward turn in Tokyo’s politics could rekindle old tensions. The 64-year-old conservative and head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won 237 out of 465 votes in the lower house, comfortably surpassing the 233-seat majority threshold. Although the LDP holds 196 seats, Takaichi secured victory in the first round with backing from the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) and several independent lawmakers. A protégé of the late ultraconservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has pledged to strengthen security ties with the United States and take a harder line against China and North Korea — a stance that contrasts sharply with the Lee Jae Myung administration’s diplomatic approach centered on dialogue, regional inclusivity, and what Seoul officials call “pragmatic diplomacy.” While she has promised continuity with her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba’s policies, her ascent marks a clear ideological shift to the right. Takaichi has long championed “patriotism” in education and asserted stronger sovereignty claims in territorial disputes — positions that could test the fragile thaw between Seoul and Tokyo that began under Ishiba through resumed shuttle diplomacy. For the Lee administration, which came to power in June 2025, the leadership change in Tokyo adds a new layer of uncertainty. President Lee made Japan for his first bilateral visit after taking office, signaling intent to stabilize relations with Tokyo and Washington. Yoshihiro Makino, visiting professor at Hiroshima University, said Seoul hopes to maintain the current momentum but is concerned about possible provocations under Takaichi. “There are concerns that with Takaichi in office, sensitive moves could re-emerge — such as visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, renewed claims over Dokdo, or discussions on the continental shelf agreement,” Makino said. He noted that many of Takaichi’s political allies are deeply attached to historical and territorial issues, heightening the risk of confrontation. “If Japan acts too provocatively, the Lee administration will have no choice but to respond firmly, since public opinion in South Korea reacts strongly to matters of history and sovereignty,” he added. Still, Seoul and Tokyo are expected to find common ground on economic and technological cooperation, particularly in supply chain resilience and semiconductor coordination. Takaichi’s rise also introduces a new variable into the regional power equation among Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul. Both Japan and the United States are now under conservative leadership, but their approaches to North Korea diverge. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, while Takaichi is expected to pursue a more hardline policy toward Pyongyang. In this shifting regional dynamic, Seoul’s ability to balance between Washington’s unpredictable diplomacy and Tokyo’s tougher stance will be critical in defining South Korea’s role on the Korean Peninsula. 2025-10-21 18:05:25