On the evening of June 16, 2025, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) successfully held the 88th session of the North Pavilion Seminar lecture series. Li Tingting, Associate Professor and Dean of the Department of Korean Language and Culture, School of Foreign Languages, PKU, was invited as a keynote speaker. She delivered a lecture titled “Political Changes in South Korea and International Relations in Northeast Asia” and engaged in discussions with faculty and students attending the lecture. The lecture was moderated by Associate Professor Gui Yongtao, Vice President of IISS, PKU.

Li Tingting presented her analysis from three perspectives: “The Impact of Political Changes in the ROK on the Situation in Northeast Asia,” “The Foreign and Security Policy Approach of the Lee Jae-myung Administration,” and “Policy Uncertainties.” She noted that, compared with the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration, the Lee Jae-myung government has adjusted its foreign policy strategy. While consolidating the ROK–U.S. alliance, it pursues pragmatic diplomacy, seeking to balance relations with the four major powers. In addition to emphasizing ROK–U.S. cooperation and ROK–Japan cooperation, it also attaches great importance to China–ROK and ROK–Russia cooperation. At the same time, the administration actively promotes the ROK’s multilateral diplomacy and expands engagement with the BRICS countries, the Global South, the European Union, and Africa, thereby enhancing the ROK’s international influence.

Li Tingting provided a detailed interpretation of the Lee Jae-myung administration’s foreign policies across key areas: seeking strategic balance in diplomacy with the United States; emphasizing win–win cooperation in China–ROK relations; adopting a dual-track approach in Japan–ROK relations by addressing historical and territorial issues separately from cooperation issues; advocating the restoration and easing of relations with North Korea; proposing initiatives to improve ROK–Russia relations; and, in the field of economic security, stressing the linkage between domestic and external policies to strengthen supply chain resilience. She noted that the Lee Jae-myung administration’s foreign policy still faces uncertainties stemming from international and domestic power struggles as well as regional dynamics. Looking ahead, attention should be paid to its key issues, critical time points, and potential policy adjustments.

Li Tingting observed that the Lee Jae-myung administration’s balanced and pragmatic diplomacy contributes to stabilizing and easing the situation in Northeast Asia. However, given ROK’s own limitations in national power, its influence is more incremental than structural.

During the interactive session, Li Tingting engaged with faculty and students on topics such as the impact of U.S.–ROK relations on China–ROK ties, the potential for China–ROK cooperation on the North Korean nuclear issue, the implications of ROK’s aging population, and the diplomatic legacy of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

(Contributed by: Hu Yongheng)

Editor: Li Fangqi  Photographer: Zheng Huaizhou