Seoul: South Korea's top diplomat emphasized that the country's engagement with China aligns with US interests in multiple ways, while addressing concerns over the growing US-China strategic competition potentially becoming a "zero-sum game."

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, speaking at an event in Seoul, highlighted that South Korea maintains significant relations with both the United States and China. The nation upholds a military alliance with Washington while fostering its largest trade relationship with Beijing. Cho remarked, "It is no secret that countries in the region don't want to be in a position of having to choose between Washington and China," as reported by Yonhap news, noting that South Korea is no exception to this sentiment.

Cho further elaborated on the regional apprehension about the intensifying US-China rivalry, stating, "Nor do they want to see US-China strategic competition become a zero-sum game." He expressed confidence that South Korea's engagement with China is in alignment with US interests in various respects.

The context of these remarks includes the Trump administration's escalation of its trade war with China through the imposition of hefty tariffs. In response, China issued a warning on Monday against any countries that might consider striking a broader economic deal with the US at China's expense. The Chinese Commerce Ministry declared it would firmly oppose any such agreements and "will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner."