Joe Biden may have a new friend in Asia, with South Korea’s presidential-elect preparing a foreign policy reboot that more closely aligns with the U.S. president’s views of China.
Conservative Yoon Suk-yeol’s election win this week is well-timed for Biden, who is seeking to rally allies to counter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s assertiveness over disputed territory and North Korea’s tests of longer-range missiles and nuclear weapons. Outgoing President Moon Jae-in’s feud with Japan and efforts to court China frustrated American efforts to stitch together a stronger coalition in Asia.
Yoon and his conservative People Power Party signaled a tougher line against Beijing and Pyongyang throughout his campaign. The former top prosecutor and foreign policy novice vowed Thursday to make sure South Korea was “reborn” as a “pivotal country that contributes to freedom, peace and prosperity.”
