Kim Moo-sung’s ‘U.S. over China’

Kim Moo-sung, chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party, was previously examined only from the perspective of domestic politics, but he is now subject for research in diplomacy as well. This is due to his uniquely ‘friendly diplomacy with the U.S.’ that he has displayed while visiting the U.S. It is uncertain whether such moves were as part of his efforts to consolidate conservatives or strengthen his stature as a leading contender in the next presidential election, or whether they simply represent his ordinary personality of bold behaviors. Diplomatic gains or losses will be revealed later on, but since his words will remain in quotations, he might have been successful in drawing attention.

At a press meeting with Washington correspondents of Korean media outlets on Monday, Kim said, “To us, it is without doubt the U.S. over China,” adding, “The U.S. seems to have suspicion that South Korea may be coming too close to China, but it should be kept in mind that none other than the U.S. is the only, irreplaceable, unique ally.” People could have different views as to which between the U.S. and China is more important to Korea, but many would be agreeing on his thought. However, if the ruling party leader openly expresses his stance on diplomatic issues without reservation, it could spawn diplomatic aftereffects.

Kim took a deep bow in a ‘gesture of respect and gratitude’ to U.S. Korean War veterans he met in Washington on Sunday. Deeply touched by Kim’s act, Larry Kinard, national president of the Korean War Veterans Association, replied by saying, “We go together.” Earlier, Kim visited the Korea-U.S. Joint Command in Yongsan, Seoul on July 2, and chanted “Go together” by pumping his fist while carrying its commander Curtis Scaparrotti in his back. In such a scene, it is not problematic even if he makes a big gesture and uses strong expressions.

The first country Kim visited as the chairman of the ruling party was China, which he visited in October last year. He earnestly requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to help South Korea resolve North Korean nuclear issues. In an interview with a Chinese media outlet in June last year, he called South Korea-China relations ‘relationship of close neighbors separated by narrow water.’ This time, he expressed strong affinity to the U.S. across the Pacific Ocean, and hence attention is focusing on how China will see him. It can be good to express one’s strong belief sometimes, but it is also an important virtue in diplomacy to hide what he has in mind or remarks somewhat ambiguously at other times. We doubt if he had to make remarks comparing the U.S. with China.