Alberta: President Lee Jae-myung will attend the summit of the Group of Seven advanced countries in Alberta, Canada, from June 15-17. This appearance marks Lee's debut in summit diplomacy just 11 days after his inauguration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, though not a G7 member, was invited to participate as an observer. The summit offers Lee a pivotal opportunity to establish confidence with the leaders of the seven major nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. His initial face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected to be particularly significant. The presidential office is reportedly attempting to arrange bilateral talks with Trump on the sidelines of the summit. Additionally, a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may also occur.
Lee's first phone call with Trump occurred three days post-inauguration, where Trump extended his congratulations. This call came later than expected, as it is customary for US presidents to speak with newly elected leaders immediately after their victory. The White House has expressed concerns about Chinese interference in global democracies, raising questions about US perceptions of Lee's past statements regarding China, such as his comments on the Taiwan Strait issues.
The US alliance and trilateral cooperation with Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo are crucial for South Korea's national security. Lee is encouraged to reaffirm and strengthen these alliances to gain the confidence of G7 leaders. Cooperation with the US is essential across diplomacy, security, and economic sectors. Weak trust between South Korean and US leaders could hinder progress on critical issues like defense cost-sharing and trade negotiations. High-level communication is vital to prevent misunderstandings and maintain a stable security environment.
Washington's emphasis on strategic flexibility for US Forces Korea suggests potential for their role to extend beyond South Korea's defense. The US is focused on countering China's influence, and Seoul's previous balancing act between Washington and Beijing may no longer be feasible under the Trump administration. In addition to potential talks with Trump, Lee is reportedly planning a visit to Washington to expedite summit communications.
South Korea's invitation to the G7 summit reflects its elevated international status, implying a need to align with the free world's expectations. Meanwhile, South Korea has also been invited to the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, later in June. While Lee has not decided on attending, NATO is enhancing cooperation with Asia Pacific partners, including South Korea. Several NATO member states are promising markets for South Korea's defense and nuclear industries, making friendly relations beneficial for the new administration's pragmatic goals. Lee is encouraged to consider attending the NATO summit.