'No Trump! No China!': Caught in the middle, South Korea hosts rival superpowers

October 28, 2025

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung faces a delicate diplomatic challenge this week as he hosts both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting his country's position between its security ally and largest trading partner. While South Korea negotiated reduced tariffs with the US by promising massive investments, tensions emerged after immigration raids on Korean workers at a US Hyundai plant, and Trump continues demanding more financial commitments without finalizing a trade deal. Simultaneously, Lee must manage rising anti-Chinese sentiment among conservative groups while pursuing improved economic relations with Beijing, which deteriorated under his predecessor.

Who is affected

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his government
US President Donald Trump and his administration
Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government
Over 300 South Korean workers detained in Georgia immigration raids at Hyundai plant
South Korean protesters (both anti-US and anti-China groups)
Hyundai corporation as a major US investor
South Korean businesses dependent on trade with both China and the US
Korean college students and young people expressing discontent (specifically mentioned: Hye-yeon Lee, Kim Sol-yi, Park Da-som, and Soo-bin)
Chinese tourists affected by visa policy changes and discrimination
One café facing criticism for refusing Chinese customers

What action is being taken

President Lee Jae-myung is hosting meetings with both Trump (Wednesday) and Xi Jinping (Saturday)
Trade negotiations between South Korea and the US are continuing without final agreement
Trump and Xi Jinping are holding talks on Thursday that may address their trade war
Protesters are rallying outside the US embassy and at Gyeongbokgung palace gates
President Lee is introducing a bill banning rallies that promote hatred or discrimination
Xi Jinping is attending the APEC summit in Gyeongju
South Korea is investing $350 billion in the US and purchasing $100 billion worth of liquified natural gas

Why it matters

This situation epitomizes the dilemma facing many countries worldwide that are deeply economically integrated with both China and the US. South Korea's geopolitical position is particularly precarious because it depends on the US for military security against North Korea while relying on China as its biggest trading partner and vital export market. The outcome of Lee's diplomatic maneuvering could set precedents for how middle powers navigate competing demands from rival superpowers. Additionally, the erosion of the US-South Korea relationship through controversial actions like immigration raids and Trump's cash demands threatens a partnership "forged in blood" during the Korean War, while mishandling China relations could damage South Korea's economic prosperity and potential diplomatic channels to North Korea.

What's next

Trump and Lee Jae-myung are scheduled to meet on Wednesday
Trump and Xi Jinping will hold talks on Thursday
Xi Jinping will meet Lee Jae-myung one-on-one on Saturday
Xi will spend three days in Gyeongju for the APEC summit
Potential for Lee to initiate dialogue with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, though Pyongyang has not responded to Trump's stated interest in talks

Read full article from source: BBC