South Korea Balances Superpower Tensions as Trump and Xi Visit

Thu Oct 30 2025 15:26:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As South Korea prepares to host leaders from the US and China, protests erupt in the capital against both countries, reflecting the delicate diplomacy required from President Lee Jae-myung amid rising tensions and economic dependencies.

In a week marked by high-profile diplomatic meetings in South Korea, tensions surface through protests as citizens voice their resistance against both President Trump and China's influence. As President Lee Jae-myung navigates the complexities of relationships with these superpowers, issues of national identity and economic reliance come to the forefront, revealing a populace caught between conflicting interests.

South Korea Balances Superpower Tensions as Trump and Xi Visit

Seoul became a stage for both support and opposition as protests erupted against visiting leaders from the US and China this week. Citizens took to the streets to voice their discord, chanting 'No Trump!' outside the US embassy and 'No China!' near Gyeongbokgung Palace, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as President Lee Jae-myung attempts to navigate between these two economic giants.

Seoul has long been viewed as a pivotal ally of the United States, a partnership forged during the Korean War. However, with China as its largest trading partner, South Korea finds itself at a crossroads. With a mix of admiration and apprehension, citizens express their frustration over perceived dominance from both the US and China.

This week marks an exceptional diplomatic moment as President Lee hosts President Trump and President Xi Jinping in a delicate dance of alliances. Adding to tensions, recent immigration raids involving South Koreans at US Hyundai plants have strained US-Korea relations further.

As tensions persist, South Koreans’ sentiments remain polarized. While they largely view the US favorably, recent events have sparked protests calling for reevaluation of Korea's dependency on American economic demands. Lee's administration faces mounting challenges, including managing public discontent towards China, connected to past grievances and contemporary fears of economic encroachment.

While Lee seeks to maintain beneficial relations with both powers, observers warn of the consequences of alienating either side. As both leaders come to discuss trade disputes, South Korea's leadership will need skillful diplomacy to ensure its security and prosperity in a changing global landscape.