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President Lee Concludes AI Sales Agenda in the U.S., Begins South America Diplomacy 이재명 대통령이 미국 샌프란시스코에서 인공지능(AI)·벤처투자 협력 일정을 마치고 남미 순방에 돌입한다. 이 대통령은 브라질과 칠레, 아르헨티나를 차례로 방문해 정상회담을 갖고 교역·투자 확대와 핵심광물 공급망 다변화, 글로벌 사우스 외교 강화에 나선다. 이 대통령은 25일(현지시간) 실리콘밸리 벤처투자 밋업을 끝으로 샌프란시스코 방문 일정을 마무리하고 남미 순방 첫 방문국인 브라질로 향했다. 이 대통령은 미국 방문 기간 다리오 아모데이 앤트로픽 최고경영자(CEO), 샘 올트먼 오픈AI CEO, 젠슨 황 엔비디아 CEO, 혹 탄 브로드컴 CEO 등 글로벌 빅테크 수장들과 연쇄 회동했다. 샌프란시스코 AI 서밋에서는 한국을 글로벌 AI 혁신의 중심으로 만들겠다는 내용의 ‘샌프란시스코 AI 선언’을 발표했다. 국민연금공단과 실리콘밸리 주요 벤처캐피털(VC) 6개사 간 투자협력 양해각서(MOU)도 체결했다. 미국에서 AI·반도체와 벤처투자 협력 기반을 다진 이 대통령은 남미에서는 경제 안보와 시장 개척을 중심으로 ‘실용외교’의 무대를 넓힌다는 구상이다. 이 대통령은 26일 오후 브라질리아에 도착해 루이스 이나시우 룰라 다 시우바 룰라 대통령 내외가 주최하는 환영 리셉션으로 국빈방문 일정을 시작한다. 27일에는 공식 환영식에 참석한 뒤 대통령 관저인 아우보라다궁에서 룰라 대통령과 정상회담을 갖는다. 양국 정상은 회담 후 MOU 서명식과 공동언론발표, 국빈오찬을 이어갈 예정이다. 정상회담에서는 교역·투자 확대와 방산, 핵심광물, 에너지·식량 공급망 협력 방안 등이 폭넓게 논의될 전망이다. 브라질은 중남미 최대 방산시장인 동시에 희토류 매장량 세계 2위의 ‘자원 부국’이다. 커피와 설탕, 닭고기 수출에서도 세계 1위 수준의 경쟁력을 갖고 있어 공급망 다변화를 추진하는 한국의 주요 경제 안보 협력국으로 꼽힌다. 이 대통령은 룰라 대통령과 한·메르코수르 무역협정 협상 재개 방안도 논의할 예정이다. 메르코수르는 브라질과 아르헨티나 등이 주도하는 남미공동시장이다. 정부는 장기간 답보 상태에 놓인 무역협정 협상의 동력을 되살려 우리 기업의 남미 시장 진출 기반을 확대한다는 계획이다. 이 대통령은 브라질리아 일정을 마친 뒤 상파울루로 이동한다. 28일에는 현지 동포들과 오찬 간담회를 갖고 한·브라질 비즈니스 라운드테이블에 참석해 양국 기업 간 투자와 산업 협력 확대를 지원한다. 29일부터 30일까지는 칠레를 공식 방문한다. 이 대통령은 29일 저녁 동포 만찬 간담회로 일정을 시작한 뒤 30일 칠레 건국 영웅인 베르나르도 오히긴스 동상에 헌화한다. 이어 대통령궁인 모네다궁에서 공식 환영식에 참석하고 호세 안토니오 카스트 대통령과 정상회담을 진행한다. 양국 정상은 MOU 서명식과 공동 언론발표, 공식 오찬을 진행하며 이 대통령은 오후 한·칠레 비즈니스 라운드테이블에도 참석한다. 칠레에서는 양국 자유무역협정(FTA) 현대화와 인프라·투자 협력이 주요 의제로 다뤄질 전망이다. 칠레는 한국이 처음으로 FTA를 체결한 국가이자 구리와 리튬 매장량이 세계 1위인 핵심광물 부국이다. 정부는 기존 상품 교역 중심의 FTA를 디지털과 공급망 등 새로운 통상 분야로 확대하고 국내 기업의 현지 인프라 시장 진출을 지원한다는 방침이다. 양국이 2028년 공동 개최할 예정인 유엔해양총회의 성공적인 개최 방안도 논의될 것으로 보인다. 정부는 이를 계기로 해양환경과 기후변화 등 국제 현안에 대한 칠레와의 공조도 강화할 계획이다. 이 대통령은 30일 밤 아르헨티나 부에노스아이레스에 도착해 남미 순방의 마지막 공식 일정을 시작한다. 우리나라 대통령의 아르헨티나 양자 방문은 2004년 이후 22년 만이다. 31일에는 아르헨티나 독립 영웅을 기리는 산마르틴광장을 찾아 헌화한 뒤 대통령궁인 카사 로사다에서 공식 환영 행사에 참석한다. 이어 하비에르 밀레이 대통령과 정상회담을 갖고 경제·통상 협력과 국제 정세, 공급망 협력 방안 등을 논의한다. 아르헨티나는 셰일가스 매장량 세계 2위이자 대두유 수출 세계 1위의 자원·농업 강국이다. 전기차 배터리의 핵심 원료인 리튬도 풍부해 에너지와 식량, 핵심광물 공급망을 다변화하려는 한국의 주요 협력 대상국이다. 한류에 대한 현지 관심이 높은 만큼 문화·콘텐츠와 소비재 시장 진출 확대 방안도 논의될 전망이다. 이 대통령은 31일 저녁 아르헨티나 동포들과 만찬 간담회를 갖는 것을 끝으로 남미 3개국 공식 일정을 마무리한다. 청와대는 브라질·칠레·아르헨티나 3개국을 인구 2억8000만명, 국내총생산(GDP) 3조7000억 달러에 이르는 거대시장으로 평가하고 있다. 이번 순방을 통해 남미 시장 진출의 제도적 기반을 강화하는 한편 지정학적 위험에 대비한 핵심광물·에너지·식량 공급망을 구축한다는 구상이다. 외교적으로는 남미 주요국과의 협력을 통해 ‘글로벌 사우스’와 국제무대에서 우군을 확대하는 데 초점을 맞춘다. 브라질과 아르헨티나는 주요 20개국(G20) 회원국이며 브라질은 남미 지역질서와 유엔 등 다자무대에서도 영향력을 발휘하고 있다. 이 대통령은 남미 일정을 마친 뒤 귀국길인 8월 2일 독일 프랑크푸르트에서 동포간담회를 끝으로 7박 11일 간의 일정을 마치고 3일 귀국한다.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:32 -
Korea's Chimaek diplomacy gets a Silicon Valley AI makeover SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korea's signature chimaek culture — fried chicken and beer — found a Silicon Valley twist on Friday as President Lee Jae Myung clinked Budweiser bottles over burgers and fish and chips with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun and other AI leaders on San Francisco's waterfront. The informal dinner at a marina restaurant, following a day of high-level meetings and an AI summit, was designed to mirror the relaxed "chimaek diplomacy" Huang enjoyed during his visit to Seoul last year, when the Nvidia chief famously bonded with Korean business leaders over fried chicken and barbecue. This time, California seafood and beer replaced Korean fare, but the objective remained the same: forging personal ties behind one of the world's fastest-growing AI partnerships. Earlier in the day, Lee held separate meetings with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, urging each company to deepen participation in South Korea's AI ambitions. Lee introduced his administration's three mega AI projects and said South Korea was transforming itself into an AI-native economy spanning industry and society. Huang praised Seoul's vision, saying South Korea's ambition to become an "AI-native nation" was inspiring and that the country possessed the talent and industrial foundation to build sovereign AI if it secured sufficient access to graphics processing units. He also highlighted Nvidia's expanding cooperation with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Naver, Hyundai Motor and a planned joint AI research institute with KAIST. Altman described South Korea as one of OpenAI's most important partners and praised Lee's AI leadership. He said equity-based wealth-sharing models could prove more effective than simple cash transfers in the AI era and called Korea's investments in physical AI, energy infrastructure and its three mega projects globally exemplary. OpenAI also expressed interest in using South Korea as a test bed for its next-generation AI devices scheduled for release early next year. Meeting Hock Tan, Lee emphasized that governments and companies must jointly build AI ecosystems rather than compete independently. Tan praised South Korea's AI strategy and highlighted Broadcom's partnerships with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Korean AI startup FuriosaAI, predicting AI infrastructure demand would continue expanding through at least 2029. Amodei said Anthropic would expand cooperation with South Korea in data centers, AI security and cybersecurity after signing a memorandum of understanding with Seoul's science ministry. The meetings culminated in the San Francisco AI Summit, where Lee unveiled the San Francisco AI Declaration, pledging to make South Korea an "irreplaceable" pillar of the global AI supply chain by leveraging its leadership in memory semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure. The summit also produced a series of commercial commitments between Korean conglomerates and global technology companies. According to the presidential office, SK Group agreed to pursue long-term AI infrastructure cooperation with global technology firms, Samsung Electronics expanded strategic cooperation with Broadcom, while Naver announced plans to develop global AI factories with Nvidia and Brookfield. Together with planned investments in AI data centers and computing infrastructure, the announced projects represent commitments valued at roughly $950 billion. Ending the day around a waterfront dinner table rather than a conference stage, Lee sought to reinforce a broader message that South Korea intends to pair its manufacturing strengths with America's AI software leadership — not only through investment pledges and semiconductor deals, but also through the personal relationships increasingly shaping the global AI race. After concluding his AI-focused visit to San Francisco, Lee headed to South America, where he pledged to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and revive trade talks with the Mercosur bloc. July 26, 2026 07:01 -
Japan and China Foreign Ministers Meet for First Time in Eight Months Japan and China’s foreign ministers met face-to-face for the first time in eight months on July 23, following a deterioration in relations triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis comments regarding Taiwan last November. The two ministers did not hold a formal meeting; instead, they briefly conversed while standing without an interpreter at an international conference.Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters in Manila that he exchanged brief greetings and discussed bilateral relations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting. Motegi declined to disclose specific details of their conversation, citing diplomatic confidentiality, but emphasized the importance of continued dialogue for regional peace.According to Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japanese Foreign Ministry had prepared an interpreter for Motegi in case he encountered Wang, but refrained from actively seeking contact, anticipating that Wang would likely avoid engagement. Motegi explained that the opportunity for contact arose as both ministers were passing each other during a series of ASEAN-related meetings.Sources familiar with Japan-China relations indicated to Yomiuri Shimbun that there were no specific discussions on individual issues between the two countries. Topics such as Chinas submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) drills and Japans shooting exercises within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) were not addressed. A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official remarked that while the brief exchange was significant, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to improved relations.Asahi Shimbun noted that Wang appeared to have avoided official engagements with Japan, as he did not attend a formal dinner where Motegi was present and skipped the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting, unlike previous years. Throughout the three-day conference, the two ministers did not share any official schedule.In contrast, Wang held a formal meeting with the Philippine Foreign Minister, who has been at odds with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, marking their first meeting in two years. Asahi Shimbun suggested that China may be gauging Japans response by treating it differently from the Philippines.The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not clarify whether the two ministers had met. According to Yomiuri Shimbun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a press conference that there was no understanding of a meeting being set, but did not confirm whether the brief exchange reported by Japan actually occurred.On the same day as his encounter with Motegi, Wang stated at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting that the revival of militarism must not be tolerated. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, who attended the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Wangs place, also urged regional countries to deeply reflect on historical lessons. While China remained reticent about the brief exchange, it continued to criticize Japan publicly. Expectations for Rapid Improvement in China-Japan Relations Are Premature The backdrop for Wangs brief contact is linked to the United States. A Chinese state media official told Yomiuri Shimbun that the meeting was likely intended to save face for the U.S., which is concerned about the deterioration of Japan-China relations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on July 22 in Manila that the Japan-China relationship is showing worrisome trends. Yomiuri Shimbun interpreted that China, prioritizing stability in its relations with the U.S., responded to Japans overtures for contact.However, analysts caution against viewing this encounter as a sign of improving relations. Nihon Keizai Shimbun assessed that improving Japan-China relations is not a high priority for Chinese diplomacy. With the U.S. and China engaging in direct high-level talks, the need for Japan to act as a mediator has diminished. Since last November, the only notable ministerial-level contact between Japan and China occurred in May when Japans Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa and Wang Wentao, Chinas Minister of Commerce, spoke briefly while standing.Domestic political situations in both countries also complicate the path to improved relations. According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the Chinese leadership, facing the 2027 Communist Party Congress, risks domestic criticism of submissive diplomacy if it shows a conciliatory attitude toward Japan. Similarly, the Takaichi administration in Japan must consider the support of conservative factions as it prepares to revise three security-related documents by the end of the year, making it difficult to adopt a flexible stance toward China.Japan is looking ahead to the next opportunity for contact at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November. An official from the Japanese government stated to Asahi Shimbun that they hope to gauge Chinas stance leading up to November. However, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official cautioned that advocating for improved relations with President Xi Jinping carries significant risks within China, making a thaw in Japan-China relations unlikely.There is also growing concern within the Japanese government that U.S.-China relations and trade negotiations could proceed without Japans involvement. Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that there is a possibility of three meetings between U.S. and Chinese leaders, including the APEC summit in November. It remains uncertain whether the brief exchange in Manila will lead to a Japan-China summit.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 15:04
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FM holds talks with UK, ASEAN counterparts on sidelines of ASEAN meeting in Manila SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a series of bilateral meetings in Manila this week on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) including talks with newly appointed British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said on Friday. According to the ministry, Cho congratulated Miliband on his appointment and the launch of the new U.K. government led by Prime Minister Andrew Burnham. Miliband reaffirmed the importance of South Korea-U.K. relations and agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties. He also proposed expanding cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), noting that the U.K. had secured ARF membership. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of South Korea-U.K. relations and agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties. Miliband also proposed expanding cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), saying the U.K. has secured ARF membership. Cho also held separate meetings with his counterparts from six ASEAN countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, as part of Seoul's efforts to expand practical cooperation with countries in the region. ASEAN is a key economic partner for South Korea and a central pillar of its Indo-Pacific strategy, with Seoul pursuing what it calls pragmatic diplomacy by strengthening both economic and security cooperation with the region. Cho also met with European Commission vice president Kaja Kallas to discuss regional developments including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. July 24, 2026 14:15 -
President Lee's Approval Rating Drops to 51%, Real Estate Policy Criticized President Lee Jae-myungs approval rating has seen a slight decline for the third consecutive week, according to a recent public opinion survey. The primary reason cited for disapproval was his real estate policy.On July 24, Korea Gallup reported that President Lees job approval rating stands at 51%. Meanwhile, 38% of respondents indicated they believe he is performing poorly, and 11% withheld their opinions. The survey was conducted from July 21 to July 23 among 1,003 adults aged 18 and older across the country.This figure matches the lowest approval rating recorded since President Lee took office, which was also 51% in the survey conducted in the fourth week of June. Following a 54% approval rating released in the first week of July, the presidents approval has dropped by 1 percentage point each week for three weeks.Among the reasons for positive evaluations, diplomacy was the most frequently mentioned at 17%. Other reasons included economy and livelihood (15%), overall performance (9%), and communication (8%).Conversely, the reasons for disapproval were led by real estate policy (22%), followed by economy, livelihood, and high exchange rates (10%), overall poor performance (7%), and issues of morality and evading personal trials (5%).Regionally, the highest support was found in Gwangju and Jeolla at 76%, followed by Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam at 52%, and Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong at 51%. In Incheon and Gyeonggi, support was at 50%, while Seoul recorded 43%, and Daegu and Gyeongbuk had 40%.By age group, support was over 50% among those in their 50s (69%), 40s (63%), and 60s (51%). However, support among those aged 18 to 29 was only 33%, and 39% among those in their 30s. Support levels were 83% among progressives, 49% among moderates, and 26% among conservatives.In terms of party support, the Democratic Party received 44%, while the People Power Party garnered 23%. Compared to the previous survey, the Democratic Partys support increased by 4 percentage points, while the People Power Partys dropped by 3 percentage points. The Justice and Innovation Party and the Reform Party each received 2%, the Progressive Party received 1%, and 27% of respondents were undecided.This survey was conducted via telephone interviews using randomly selected virtual numbers. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a contact rate of 39.7% and a response rate of 10.7%. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 11:28
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South Korea's Foreign Minister Calls for Continued Dialogue with North Korea Cho Hyun, South Koreas Foreign Minister, stated on July 23 that the country will continue its efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea with patience to achieve peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. During the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Manila, Philippines, Cho urged member countries to maintain their interest and cooperation in resolving issues related to the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. The EAS, established in 2005, is a strategic forum for leaders from ASEAN and major countries, comprising 19 nations including the 11 ASEAN countries, South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United States, and Russia. The meeting addressed key political and security issues in the region, including the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, Myanmar, and the Middle East. Many participants emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea. Cho highlighted that the South China Sea, as a vital maritime route, must ensure freedom of navigation and overflight, and that international maritime order based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea should be upheld. He also stressed the importance of establishing guidelines that align with international law and do not infringe on the rights of third countries. Regarding Myanmar, Cho expressed support for efforts to resolve issues based on the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and noted that the South Korean government is actively participating to improve the humanitarian situation.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 20:40
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Kim Yong-beom: Independent Competition with US and China is Challenging Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, proposed a strategy for South Korea in the AI (artificial intelligence) hegemony competition between the United States and China, suggesting a multilateral cooperation with middle powers. He emphasized that South Korea should lead the development of AI operational models in public service sectors such as healthcare, education, and administration that can be utilized globally.In a Facebook post titled In the Age of AI, Nations Connect the World, Kim stated, The AI revolution may appear to be a battle between the U.S. and China, but the fundamental technology of high-performance memory largely originates from South Korea. He questioned, What can we do with our unique position as a country that occupies a crucial role while stepping aside from the center of the hegemony competition?Kim noted, With a domestic market of 50 million, it is difficult for South Korea to compete independently with the vast markets of the U.S. and China, which are building data and capital. We need to shift our strategy from How can we win alone? to How can we create a platform for collective action?He argued that South Korea should take the lead in establishing AI operational methods in public services based on multilateral cooperation.As a basis for South Koreas role, he cited the experience of maintaining a digital ecosystem that is not dependent on global platforms and the international trust built through the Korean Wave.Kim emphasized, This strategy cannot be pursued by the government alone. Startups operating locally, companies and researchers that can enhance models, operators of data centers, and a supporting talent pool must work together as a single organism. Above all, it is urgent to coordinate the fragmented administration within the government.He added, If the interests of ministries divided into technology (Ministry of Science and ICT), startups (Ministry of SMEs and Startups), industry (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), finance (Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Planning and Budget), and diplomacy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) cannot be integrated under a national vision, the strategy cannot progress. A nation aiming to organize the world must first be able to efficiently organize itself internally.* This article has been translated by AI. July 23, 2026 10:20
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Seoul, Washington, Tokyo tighten diplomatic tempo SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - The foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States and Japan met Wednesday for the second time in just over two weeks, a pace the three governments framed as the point itself, a show of alignment staged in front of Southeast Asia's assembled diplomats in Manila. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sat down with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu on the margins of the ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings, the annual cluster of talks that draws the region's major powers to one venue. The three discussed regional and global affairs, economic security and the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The trilateral format has become the main vehicle for coordinating policy among the three allies. South Korea and Japan are each bound to the United States by mutual defense treaties. Still, the two neighbors have no such treaty with each other, and their cooperation has historically swung with the state of bilateral relations. The three-way framework, elevated to leader level at the Camp David summit in 2023, was built to keep that coordination running regardless. Cho said holding the meeting only two weeks after the first trilateral of the year, on the sidelines of the NATO summit on July 7, showed the weight all three countries place on the format. Convening again at the ASEAN meetings, where the region's main players gather, allowed the three to send a united message about strengthening cooperation, he said. Rubio and Motegi welcomed the short interval and agreed to keep tightening coordination, the ministry said. On North Korea, the three reaffirmed long-standing positions. They will hold to the principle of denuclearizing the peninsula while maintaining firm deterrence, keep their North Korea policies closely coordinated, and continue communication and cooperation aimed at preserving peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. The language on the wider region was more pointed, if never explicit. The ministers exchanged views on attempts to change the status quo unilaterally, and reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and to international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia included. None of that names a country. In diplomatic usage, however, those phrases are the standard vocabulary for China's assertiveness in the South and East China seas, and delivering them in Manila, in the region where those disputes play out, gives them their edge. Economic security took up a substantial share of the agenda. The term covers the newer terrain where trade and national security overlap, from who controls supplies of critical minerals to who can be cut off from advanced technology. The three ministers agreed that cooperation among trusted partners has never been more essential amid continued volatility in the global economy, and committed to deepening work on nuclear power, critical minerals and critical and emerging technologies. They also agreed to expand cooperation on protecting advanced technology, diversifying supply chains and building their resilience, and responding to economic coercion, another phrase without a named target that governments in all three capitals have used to describe Chinese trade pressure on countries that cross Beijing politically. One entry on the list was newer for this format: Arctic security, an area of growing attention as melting ice opens shipping routes and resource competition in the far north. Beyond security, the three noted that their cooperation has been widening into transnational crime response, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and agreed to push for concrete, visible results. The ministers agreed to activate consultations across sectors and levels on the momentum of Wednesday's meeting and to work toward outcomes that deliver benefits their citizens can feel, the ministry said. They reaffirmed their intention to meet as often as possible, including at multilateral gatherings. July 23, 2026 09:46 -
Special Envoys Lead Tailored Practical Diplomacy and Ensure Safety of Overseas Citizens [Editor’s Note] As competition intensifies over semiconductor and battery supply chains, defense exports, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, the nature of diplomacy is rapidly evolving. While traditional diplomacy focused on managing inter-state relations and formal negotiations, today’s embassies have become complex forward bases that support market entry for domestic companies, identify supply chain disruptions, back large-scale contracts, and ensure the safety of citizens abroad during wars and disasters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already established meetings for economic security officers at embassies and is urging cooperation with local businesses and relevant organizations to resolve corporate challenges. In this context, Aju Economy examines the roles and significance of overseas embassies through the current status of domestic and international ambassadors.President Lee Jae-myung pursues practical diplomacy for national interests. One of the notable features of his administration’s appointments of overseas ambassadors is the strengthening of special envoys. According to diplomatic sources on July 22, the Lee Jae-myung administration has appointed 30 to 40 special envoys to seek strategic diversification in diplomacy. Special envoys are appointed by the president to undertake specific diplomatic tasks and are typically experts rather than career diplomats. Son Hyuk-sang, the South Korean ambassador to Paraguay and a recognized expert in official development assistance (ODA), exemplifies this trend. He is the first former head of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which oversees South Korea’s overseas grants, to serve as an ambassador on the front lines of diplomacy. Paraguay, a landlocked country in the heart of South America, is considered one of South Korea’s four key partners in Latin America, alongside Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Since beginning its support in 1991, South Korea has invested a total of $182.29 million in areas such as education and health by 2024. The focus is on modernizing the Paraguayan government’s administration and improving digital accessibility. The era of one-sided support from one country to another has passed. It is crucial to create a cooperative model that organically integrates South Korea’s advanced information and communication technology (ICT) and medical technology with Paraguay’s diverse development potential. The safety of citizens abroad is paramount. In March, the government executed Operation “Desert Light,” allowing citizens stranded due to the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran to return home via military transport aircraft. On March 15, a KC-330 “Cygnus” multi-purpose aerial refueling transport aircraft landed at Seongnam Seoul Airport with 204 South Koreans, five foreign nationals, and two Japanese citizens, totaling 211 passengers. The Cygnus departed from Korea on the morning of the 14th, arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that afternoon, and then returned to Korea with the evacuees that evening. Thorough preparations made Operation “Desert Light” possible. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kang Shin-cheol, a former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ rapid response team worked diligently to ensure the safe return of citizens in the Middle East. The government sought cooperation from over ten countries along the transport route for airspace passage. In May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized 13 staff members from 13 embassies in the Middle East and 11 employees from the Overseas Crisis Response Division for their contributions to the evacuation and repatriation of South Koreans stranded in the region since the outbreak of war. The embassies involved included the South Korean embassies in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Consulate General in Dubai, Qatar, Turkmenistan, Jordan, Egypt, and Oman. The Ministry stated, “We supported the rapid and safe evacuation and return of over 6,600 South Koreans stranded in dangerous situations, including bombings.” Overseas, the diversification of ambassadors is keeping pace with rapidly changing global trends. In Japan, most ambassadors are selected from among Foreign Ministry staff, but experts from various fields and retired officials from other ministries are also appointed as ambassadors. Notable examples include former Bank of Japan Governor Akiyoshi Araki as ambassador to the U.S. and former NHK President Tetsuro Furugaki as ambassador to France. In the United States, ambassador appointments are made from senior foreign service officers who have passed selection processes and gained experience at the State Department or through political appointments by the president. There is a regulation stating that “no individual should be granted an ambassadorship due to financial contributions to political campaigns.” The definition of “diplomatic expertise” must now be rewritten. As of 2026, insights across advanced technology, capital, diplomacy, and security are essential. Special envoys with flexibility, political judgment, and unique expertise in various fields will be crucial for South Korea’s practical diplomacy to deeply permeate around the world.* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 18:24
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U.S. Tariff Reinstatement Could Shake Petrochemical Exports If the United States imposes new tariffs under Section 301 of its trade law, South Koreas key industries, including petrochemicals, are expected to suffer significant blows to their exports. With the supply of naphtha, a key raw material, already unstable, the addition of tariff barriers could lead to inevitable export disruptions. According to relevant government agencies on July 22, the proposed tariff rate on South Korean products is set at 12.5% due to insufficient measures against forced labor imports. This rate is 2.5 percentage points higher than the existing global tariff rate of 10%. There is also a possibility that the rate could increase further if South Korea is designated as an overproduction country. The petrochemical sector is expected to be hit hardest by the tariff increase. South Korea primarily exports benzene, toluene, and mixed xylene to the U.S. In fact, during the first half of this year, exports of benzene and toluene to the U.S. surged by 128% and 150%, respectively, reaching $10.48 million and $10.3 million compared to the same period last year. However, as tariffs loom, industry concerns are deepening. Most export items are generic products that are difficult to differentiate, making it nearly impossible to pass the increased tariff costs onto local selling prices in the U.S. Additionally, there are discussions about Taiwan potentially benefiting from a lower tariff rate of 10%, and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has officially pointed out South Koreas overproduction issues in the petrochemical sector, adding to the negative outlook. The plastics industry is also bracing for the impact of tariffs. Despite an unstable supply of raw materials, exports of various plastic products, including mats and films, reached $970 million in the first half of the year, showing resilience. However, the outlook for the second half remains uncertain. The high proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, coupled with insufficient local investment capacity to avoid tariffs, is seen as a major vulnerability. Exports of key consumer goods, such as cosmetics and K-Food, are also at risk. These products are particularly sensitive to price fluctuations. In the first half of this year, exports of cosmetics and K-Food to the U.S. increased by 40% and 8%, respectively, totaling $1.44 billion and $1.23 billion compared to the previous year, but it is uncertain whether this upward trend can continue in the second half. The rapidly changing U.S. tariff policies have also left the home appliances, electronics, and machinery sectors on edge. The U.S. imposes item-specific tariffs on products that include steel and aluminum, but these tariffs are frequently altered without consistent principles. The shift from a content-based tariff assessment to a differential method has heightened uncertainty in the industry. If U.S. tariff pressures materialize, small and medium-sized enterprises, which struggle to invest locally, are expected to bear the brunt of the impact. This contrasts with large corporations that have been able to circumvent tariffs by increasing local investments with substantial capital. Small businesses, facing high interest rates that complicate funding, are now confronted with additional risks. The trade industry is calling for the government to actively engage in trade diplomacy to minimize the impact of tariff increases. A trade industry official stated, The U.S. administration appears to be using the Section 301 investigation as leverage to raise mutual tariffs to previous levels. While it may not be possible to completely avoid tariffs, urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to secure conditions that are not disadvantageous compared to major competitors like Japan and Taiwan.* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 18:08
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U.S., South Korea, and Japan Foreign Ministers Meet in Manila to Discuss Regional Security U.S., South Korean, and Japanese foreign ministers held a meeting on July 22 in Manila, Philippines, to discuss global and regional security issues. Cho Hyun, South Koreas Foreign Minister, U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio, and Japans Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi convened at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) to address regional and global dynamics, economic security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. This meeting comes about two weeks after their previous discussions during the NATO summit on July 7. The ministers are in Manila to participate in ASEAN-related foreign ministers meetings, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, the three ministers shared assessments of the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong deterrent posture against North Korea while upholding the principles of denuclearization. They agreed to continue close coordination on North Korea policy and to maintain communication and cooperation to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. The ministers also discussed recent developments in Northeast Asia and the Middle East, agreeing on the need to strengthen communication and policy coordination among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan amid increasing uncertainties in the international landscape. They exchanged views on regional dynamics, including attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, particularly regarding freedom of navigation and lawful use of the seas in the Indo-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia. The three ministers reviewed key trends in economic security and exchanged views on major risk factors and policy coordination directions. They emphasized the importance of cooperation among reliable allies in light of ongoing volatility in the global economy and agreed to deepen practical collaboration based on the achievements and strengths of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan in areas such as nuclear energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. In particular, they committed to expanding cooperation in protecting advanced technologies, enhancing nuclear energy, diversifying and strengthening supply chains, responding to economic coercion, and Arctic security, while continuing follow-up discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 17:32
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Lee to court AI giants before South America diplomacy on five-nation tour SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will begin a five-nation overseas trip on Friday with meetings in Silicon Valley alongside the world's leading artificial intelligence executives before heading to South America for summit diplomacy aimed at expanding South Korea's economic and strategic partnerships with the Global South. The trip, running from July 24 to Aug. 3, will take Lee to San Francisco, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Germany, the presidential office announced Wednesday. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Presidential Chief of Staff for Policy Kim Yong-beom outlined the itinerary during a briefing. Lee's first stop will be San Francisco, where he will spend two days meeting chief executives of leading AI companies and venture capital investors as Seoul seeks to accelerate investment and deepen technological cooperation. According to Kim, Lee is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang, OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei and Broadcom Chief Executive Hock Tan. "The president will underscore South Korea's strong commitment to investing in artificial intelligence and expanding global partnerships while seeking tangible outcomes in investment and technological cooperation from the world's leading AI companies," Kim said. Lee will also attend the San Francisco AI Summit, bringing together global technology leaders and heads of South Korea's largest companies, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun and Naver Chairman Lee Hae-jin. Participants are expected to discuss South Korea's "three mega projects" strategy for AI development and broader cooperation within the global AI ecosystem. Several memorandums of understanding between Korean companies and global technology firms are also expected to be signed during the event. Lee is scheduled to unveil the San Francisco AI Declaration, laying out Seoul's vision of making South Korea an indispensable partner in the global AI ecosystem through expanded international cooperation and investment. After concluding his U.S. visit, Lee will travel to Brazil from July 26 to 29 for a state visit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, critical minerals and other strategic industries. Lee will then make an official visit to Chile from July 29 to 30 for summit talks with President Jose Antonio Kast before traveling to Argentina from July 30 to Aug. 1 for a meeting with President Javier Milei. The presidential office said the South American tour is intended to deepen economic ties with three of the region's largest economies while broadening South Korea's diplomatic engagement with the Global South. "This visit is expected to expand trade, investment and market opportunities with Brazil, Chile and Argentina, while broadening South Korea's diplomatic horizon toward the Global South," Wi said. Lee will conclude the trip in Frankfurt, Germany, where he will meet members of the Korean community before returning to Seoul on Aug. 3. The trip marks one of Lee's most ambitious overseas diplomatic missions since taking office, combining AI diplomacy with economic outreach as Seoul seeks to position itself as a leading global technology hub while diversifying partnerships beyond its traditional allies. July 22, 2026 17:21 -
Rubio: U.S. Open to Negotiations with Iran, But Not on Hormuz Control The United States continues airstrikes against Iran while keeping the door open for negotiations to end the conflict. However, it has made it clear that it will not accept Irans control over the Strait of Hormuz and will maintain military pressure.On July 22, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a meeting in Manila related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that the U.S. is always committed to diplomacy and that if Iran is serious about negotiations, the U.S. is ready to engage in dialogue.Rubio added, Currently, Iran is not engaging seriously in negotiations, and warned that if Iran does not respond to talks, the U.S. and its allies will take necessary actions to protect their interests.He emphasized, We cannot accept Irans control over the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that no country should set a precedent by controlling international waterways and attacking vessels that do not comply with toll demands.This diplomatic message from the U.S. comes amid ongoing military actions. As of July 21, U.S. forces have conducted airstrikes against Iran for 11 consecutive days, while Iran has retaliated by attacking U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.Efforts for a diplomatic resolution are also underway. A senior Iranian official stated that they received a 10-day ceasefire proposal from mediating countries aimed at reviving a temporary truce agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran last month. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a mediating country, to request continued mediation efforts.* This article has been translated by AI. July 22, 2026 13:40
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UNESCO adopts heritage strategy for climate-hit island states SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - UNESCO's World Heritage Committee adopted a new strategy on Tuesday to help small island nations protect cultural and natural heritage that climate change is steadily destroying, a group of countries that hold some of the planet's most distinctive sites but barely register on the World Heritage List, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday. The scale of the gap is stark. The 39 small island developing states that have joined the World Heritage Convention account for one fifth of its membership, yet together they hold just 37 of the 1,248 sites on the list, about three percent, according to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. Three of them, Nauru, Niue and Timor-Leste, have no inscribed site and no candidate list at all. Tuvalu shows what is at stake. The Pacific nation of nine coral atolls, where the highest point sits less than five meters above the waves, has watched the sea around it rise at twice the global average over the past 40 years. Half of its capital is projected to flood by 2050, and more than 5,000 residents, nearly half the population, have applied for a climate migration visa to Australia. Last year Tuvalu submitted its first-ever World Heritage bid, an unprecedented attempt to inscribe the cultural landscape of an entire nation, its meeting halls, taro pits and sacred sites, before the ocean claims them. The World Heritage Strategy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), adopted during the committee's 48th session in Busan, is meant to close that gap. It sets out an eight-year plan to strengthen the capacity of island governments to nominate, manage and defend their heritage. The strategy answers a problem that has been raised for years. SIDS, a group of countries scattered across the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, were recognized by the United Nations as a distinct category of developing nations in 1992. They face the sharpest edge of climate change while running some of the world's smallest governments. Niue has a population of about 1,300. Tuvalu's entire land area is 26 square kilometers. That smallness is why they have long been overlooked. Getting a site onto the World Heritage List requires years of technical work, nomination dossiers, comparative studies, management plans, that small island bureaucracies rarely have the staff or money to produce. International heritage funding and expertise have tended to flow toward larger developing countries with more sites, more institutions and more diplomatic weight, leaving island states at the back of the queue even as their heritage faces the most immediate threats. To mark the strategy's launch, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre held a joint side event at the BEXCO convention center in Busan on July 21, bringing together around 10 representatives of island states, including panelists from Mauritius, the Maldives, the Cook Islands and Cuba. Participants discussed climate resilience, governance, policy development and community participation, the pillars of the strategy's implementation, along with ways to strengthen partnerships over the eight-year rollout. Lim Sang-woo, the ministry's Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, welcomed the adoption in his opening remarks. "SIDS possess outstanding cultural and natural heritage, yet they face numerous challenges, including climate change," Lim said. "I hope this event allows diverse views on protecting heritage in the SIDS region to be shared and lays the groundwork for practical cooperation." The strategy's adoption came during the first World Heritage Committee session ever hosted by South Korea, which joined the convention in 1988. Around 3,000 delegates from 196 member states are gathered in Busan from July 19 to 29 to decide new inscriptions and conservation policy. On the session's opening day, the committee adopted the Busan Declaration, a separate consensus document calling for international collaboration to become a guiding principle of heritage protection as climate change, armed conflict and rapid development strain sites worldwide. For Tuvalu, the timing is not academic. If current trends hold, projections show 95 percent of its land flooded by routine high tides by 2100. July 22, 2026 09:27 -
Increasing Role of Special Envoys in South Korea's Evolving Diplomacy [Editor’s Note] As competition intensifies among nations over semiconductor and battery supply chains, defense exports, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, the nature of diplomacy is rapidly changing. While traditional diplomacy focused on managing inter-state relations and formal negotiations, today’s overseas missions have evolved into complex forward bases that support market entry for domestic companies, identify supply chain disruptions, back large contracts, and ensure the safety of citizens abroad during wars and disasters.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has long operated meetings for economic security officers at overseas missions, emphasizing collaboration with local businesses and relevant organizations to resolve corporate challenges. In this context, Aju Economy examines the current status of domestic and international envoys to highlight the roles and significance of overseas missions. The increasing appointment of special envoys for specific diplomatic tasks is attributed to the changing dynamics of diplomacy. There is a growing trend of appointing private sector experts as special envoys abroad.According to Aju Economys comprehensive reporting on July 21, diplomatic authorities are currently employing a strategy to secure key missions in areas such as defense, beauty and cosmetics, food, and nuclear energy. They are also focusing on enhancing the economic diplomacy function of overseas missions by transforming them into forward bases for exports and contracts.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself emphasized in a report last December that it would innovate the roles of overseas missions. It plans to designate specialized missions in areas such as cultural public diplomacy, export contracts, science and technology, and development cooperation. Earlier, in 2024, the ministry announced its goal to enhance expertise and expand openness by increasing the recruitment of diverse external personnel from various sectors. This has led to a rise in the deployment of special envoys tailored to the specific missions of each overseas mission.In this regard, Kim Jun-hyung, acting representative of the Justice Innovation Party and former head of the National Diplomatic Academy, explained in a conversation with Aju Economy, In the past, when there were few summits, ambassadors played a larger role as professional diplomats representing the country in direct contacts. However, nowadays, direct summits are more common, expanding the public diplomatic character of these roles.As national leaders communicate directly to make significant policy decisions, it becomes strategically viable to send individuals who symbolize the country or possess strong local networks and infrastructure as heads of missions. However, he argues that even in such cases, appointments should be reasonable, with strong connections to the local area or recognized expertise.Lee Shin-hwa, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Korea University, positively assessed that special envoys who share the presidents national philosophy can effectively and swiftly advance key diplomatic policies in the field.Professor Lee stated, While traditional diplomats perform well, in specific areas such as defense, culture, and economics, the expertise and personal connections of private sector or other government professionals may surpass those of diplomats. The special envoy system is significant in terms of accommodating external expertise and breaking down the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pure blood mentality.However, some express concerns that the special envoy system may be misused for patronage appointments, deviating from its intended purpose. Additionally, there are recommendations to simultaneously enhance the capabilities of diplomats while expanding the special envoy program to increase the pool of talent available for overseas missions. Given the ongoing global trade war, the importance of diplomacy is growing, necessitating the development of diverse candidates for envoy positions.Kim Gun, a lawmaker from the People Power Party and a former diplomat, agrees on the need for strategic judgment in sending experts as special envoys but expressed concern, stating, There is widespread public skepticism about whether some special envoys can effectively conduct diplomacy.In this context, Kim recently proposed a prevention of parachute appointments for envoys law. He explained in a conversation with Aju Economy, The aim is to submit materials related to the selection criteria and procedures for special envoys to the standing committee and to verify appointments of special envoys to important missions through a confirmation hearing in the National Assembly.Professor Lee also pointed out that appointing special envoys through patronage or alignment with specific codes could be problematic. He emphasized, We cannot overlook the importance of experience on the diplomatic stage and the corresponding international networks. Non-experts or envoys who lack proficiency in English may struggle to respond effectively to economic security crises amid complex international circumstances.He added, Discussions should also focus on revitalizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that capable diplomats can utilize their expertise. If we only rely on external expertise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is becoming increasingly important, may inevitably diminish. July 21, 2026 18:28