Voters in South Korea worry about the country's future as crucial elections approach, with tensions between China, North Korea, and the United States at the forefront of their minds.
In the run-up to South Korea's upcoming presidential election, former Congresswoman Michelle Steel, a South Korean native, has voiced concerns about China's threatening behavior in the Yellow Sea.
The South Korean election, scheduled for June 3, has garnered global attention with record-breaking voter turnout. The Democratic Party of South Korea's leader, Lee Jae-myung, is currently the frontrunner, but his stance on foreign affairs has raised eyebrows.
During a debate, Lee suggested a more pragmatic approach to geopolitics, including a less hostile approach toward China and reduced dependence on the U.S.
"The alliance with the U.S. is the foundation of South Korea's diplomacy," Lee stated, as reported by Bloomberg.
Lee also advocated for broadening the U.S.-South Korea-Japan partnership, but he cautioned that Seoul shouldn't be "unilaterally bound" to the U.S., particularly in light of U.S. geopolitical rivalries.
Steel, who has previously spoken out about China's bullying behavior, reiterated her concerns, stating, "China [poses] the biggest threat, and they already told the whole world that they're going to take over Taiwan. When they take over, where are they going to go [to] next? South Korea or Japan? The Philippines?"
Historically, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his opposition to Chinese aggression in the Yellow Sea, caused political upheaval when he was impeached last December. His successor, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, has since taken a harder stance on China and the U.S.
However, Lee has countered these claims, stating during a debate, "There's no need to worry. The South Korea-U.S. alliance is important and should continue to grow and strengthen."
Though Lee acknowledged that relations with the U.S. have been strained by certain policies, such as the 25% tariffs implemented earlier this year and potential troop withdrawal, he emphasized the importance of endurance.
Steel argued that the South Korean people recognize the significance of a strong relationship with the U.S., stating, "Whatever the outcome of the election, South Korean leaders should embrace President Trump and look to make an incredible trade deal that will benefit everyone."
These statements have faced criticism from some, including David Eunkoo Kim, founder, and president of the Truth Forum, a conservative youth organization. Kim raised concerns about Lee's position on U.S. relations and his alleged ties to North Korea.
China's aggressive actions in the Yellow Sea and tense relations with the U.S. make this election a critical moment for South Korea, as both domestic politics and regional geopolitics hang in the balance.
World news outlets are focusing on South Korea's upcoming presidential election, with politics playing a significant role in the campaign. Michelle Steel, a former Congresswoman and South Korean native, has expressed worries about China's aggressive behavior in the Yellow Sea, arguing that it poses the biggest threat to the region and could attempt expansion towards South Korea or Japan, as reported in general-news stories.
