Embedding Asean and Asean Plus into South Korea’s pragmatic diplomacy

SINCE South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office, his “pragmatic diplomacy” has emerged as the defining thrust of the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) foreign policy amid intensifying US-China rivalry and mounting global uncertainty.

Beyond hosting Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and visiting the United States and Japan, the past year has been marked by balanced engagement with China, India and middle powers across Australasia, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.