[Column] Why Take the Hard Road When the Easy One Is Clear? The Real Path Between the U.S. and China

By Journalist Jee Hyung-duk

The alliance between South Korea and the United States is more than a diplomatic relationship — it is a blood-forged bond. During the Korean War, countless young Americans sacrificed their lives for a country they had never known. It was on that foundation of sacrifice that South Korea rose from ashes to become the prosperous nation it is today.

Economic prosperity, technological partnership, and the security umbrella — none of these would have been possible without the steadfast support of the United States.

Yet today, the Lee Jae-myung administration seems to be making choices that blur the essence of the Korea-U.S. alliance. Under the guise of "strategic ambiguity," the administration hesitates to confront China directly, avoids taking a clear position on the Taiwan Strait issue, and appears reluctant in fully joining frameworks like IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) or U.S.-led tech restrictions.

Ironically, this "ambiguous path" is pushing Korea into a more dangerous and complicated situation.

Clarity on China Unlocks Progress with the U.S.

The United States is currently engaged in a full-scale tech war with China, defending its national security and economic leadership. In this battlefield — semiconductors, AI, 5G, batteries — Korea is not a bystander, but a critical player.

And yet, the Lee administration remains in a strategic gray zone, attempting to appease both sides.

This strategy neither assures China nor earns trust from the U.S..

Here are the facts:

The United States - under both the Biden and Trump administrations — has clearly defined China as a strategic competitor.

For Korea to thrive within the alliance, it must break free from this ambiguous pro-China stance and walk the path of a value-based, principled partnership with the U.S.

By doing so, Korea can more easily resolve key issues — including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), semiconductor supply chain cooperation, tech alliances, and even defense exports.

Clarity in our China policy is the key to resolving every complex issue with the United States.

That is the message Washington is sending to Seoul — loud and clear.

Korea’s True Path Lies With Its Eternal Ally

Regardless of which government is in power, South Korea’s security remains anchored in the U.S. nuclear umbrella and the presence of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Our economic infrastructure is also intricately tied to U.S. markets and technology.

For Korea to become a truly independent and prosperous nation, we need a foreign policy based on principles, not ideological tightrope-walking or diplomatic hesitation.

China, at its core, is an authoritarian regime that has consistently blocked Korea's progress — from human rights abuses and economic retaliation to its unwavering support for North Korea.

The United States, on the other hand, is a nation that shares its security and prosperity with its allies. In the Ukraine war, Taiwan Strait tension, and the Indo-Pacific strategy, South Korea is already aligned with Washington.

So, we must ask:Why choose a difficult path when the right one is already open?

Why ignore the clear and true road toward Korea’s lasting prosperity?

It’s time for the Lee administration to stop delaying and present a clear and decisive strategy toward China. That is the only way to restore full trust with the United States and ensure Korea’s security, economy, and future.

The path is already laid out. The United States is our eternal ally.