World · East Asia & Pacific · 46 mins ago
Lee urges national interest over submissive attitudes in international relations
Lee said countries should avoid submissive or overly deferential attitudes in their relations with one another.
He said national interest should be the priority.
The statement does not identify which countries or relationship he was discussing.
It gives no further background on what prompted his remarks.
The comments concern how a country should approach relations with other countries.
The information provided does not describe any response or next steps.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said diplomacy should protect South Korea’s national interests and avoid submissive or deferential attitudes toward other countries.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on October 13, he described the country’s foreign policy as practical diplomacy based on national interest.
Lee said disagreements between countries are inevitable and should be managed through discussion and compromise.
He said the South Korea-US alliance is important, while relations with other major powers also need careful management.
Lee cited trade negotiations with the United States, saying South Korean officials had reached a result that best served the country’s interests.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
- What
- He urged diplomacy that protects national interests and avoids submissive or deferential attitudes.
- When
- October 13, 2026.
- Where
- A Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul.
- Why
- He said countries’ interests do not always align and disagreements should be discussed and managed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Speaker
- Lee Jae-myung
- Position
- President of South Korea
- Date
- October 13, 2026
- Setting
- Cabinet meeting in Seoul
- Foreign policy description
- Practical diplomacy based on national interest
What people are saying
The most important thing is the national interest of the Republic of Korea.
We must avoid submissive or deferential attitudes in relations between countries.
Disagreements between countries are inevitable.
The South Korea-US alliance is very important. It can be called a pillar of diplomacy, and we must continue to enhance it.
Sources
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