President Lee Jae-myung: 'US-China economic-security' approach outdated, emphasizes self-reliant defense

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Italy, stated on May 11 (local time) that South Korea seeks to develop a new approach based on national interest. He explained a direction that strengthens economic cooperation with the United States while reinforcing an independent defense policy in security matters.

In an interview with the Italian daily 'Corriere della Sera,' published on the occasion of his state visit, President Lee stated, "This approach of cooperating with the US for security and China for economy, so-called 'Anmigyeongjung' (Anmi-Gyeongjung), has now lost its validity."

President Lee first said, "Expanding economic cooperation with the United States in the most technologically advanced fields is a crucial factor in further strengthening the competitiveness of our industries."

Regarding China, he assessed, "It is a major trading partner for South Korea and plays an indispensable role in our supply chain. However, it is also an undeniable fact that competition between the two countries (US and China) has intensified, as China's industrial competitiveness and advanced technology capabilities continue to develop."

Ultimately, the President's thinking appears to be that it is not about unconditionally prioritizing China in the economic field, but rather about finding a new balance point in line with the changes of the times, such as thoroughly analyzing the US-China competition situation in advanced industries and also focusing on exchange and cooperation with the United States.

In the security field, he stated, "The alliance with the United States remains the basic axis of South Korea's diplomacy. However, we must develop this alliance in light of the new realities of our era and strengthen our autonomous action capabilities."

He further explained, "Autonomous capability means becoming a reliable partner (from the US perspective) that can take direct responsibility for one's own security without relying on allies."

Specifically, he explained, "From this perspective, the South Korean government is pursuing policies to regain wartime operational control over the military and increase defense investment. This also aligns with the direction the United States desires."

Regarding the relationship between South Korea and Italy, he emphasized, "South Korea will strengthen cooperation with Europe in areas such as advanced manufacturing and strategic supply chains. Italy, in particular, is an ideal partner in future industries. I hope this visit will be an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries."

He added, "In an era of complex crises such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict, dialogue between South Korea and Europe, which share multilateral values, is becoming increasingly important. We are prepared to actively cooperate with Italy in the Indo-Pacific region."

Meanwhile, when asked about the discussion on constitutional revision in South Korea, President Lee looked back, saying, "The declaration of a state of emergency in 2024 plunged South Korea into crisis. Fortunately, the state of emergency was nullified thanks to the citizens, but this incident made us realize that there is insufficient means to limit the president's arbitrary exercise of power."

He then added, "We must revise the constitution to reflect the realities of our era and establish institutional mechanisms to prevent arbitrary exercises of power, such as illegal declarations of martial law," thereby strengthening the argument for constitutional revision.