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Lee Jae-myung's Foreign Policy: A Shift in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy?

Lee Jae-myung's Foreign Policy: A Shift in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy?

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party won the presidential election with 49.42% of the votes and was sworn in on June 4. The voting rate reached 79.4%, the highest since the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Lee immediately stated his commitment to altering the foreign policy of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, seeking to improve relations with China, and advocating for dialogue with North Korea to ease tensions.

His election signifies a shift in Korean politics, with voters expressing dissatisfaction towards Yoon's actions and a desire for more open diplomatic strategies. However, Lee faces challenges in balancing relations, especially concerning the U.S. and China, in order to safeguard national interests. He expressed reluctance to engage in Taiwan Strait disputes during an interview, underscoring the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

In terms of relations with Japan, Lee identified Japan as a key cooperative partner, hopeful for proactive engagement in cultural and economic spheres. The future of inter-Korean dialogue and improvement of Korea-Japan relations may influence the geopolitical landscape of East Asia.