Growing discomfort with American coercion is driving subtle diplomatic realignment, though hard limits remain

ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s visit to Beijing this week signals an effort by the Lee Jae-myung administration to recalibrate relations with China at a time of growing discomfort with Washington. But it remains to be seen whether Seoul’s diplomatic flexibility can succeed without provoking backlash from either Washington or Beijing.

Cho’s meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi was the first direct bilateral exchange between the two countries’ top diplomats since the Lee administration took office in June.

ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s visit to Beijing this week signals an effort by the Lee Jae-myung administration to recalibrate relations with China at a time of growing discomfort with Washington. But it remains to be seen whether Seoul’s diplomatic flexibility can succeed without provoking backlash from either Washington or Beijing.

Cho’s meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi was the first direct bilateral exchange between the two countries’ top diplomats since the Lee administration took office in June.

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