South Korean Election Result May Signal Shift Toward China

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung won the presidential election in South Korea on Tuesday. His victory may herald a shift of the longtime United States ally toward China.

Impeached: In December, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. He banned political activities, including convening of the National Assembly, and stationed police outside the National Assembly’s entrances to prevent lawmakers from entering.

But many lawmakers maneuvered around police, even climbing fences so they could enter and vote to lift the martial law order. Lee was among those lawmakers.

Yoon’s controversial decision led to his impeachment, which then triggered the snap election.

The candidate nominated by Yoon’s conservative People Power Party suffered a dramatic defeat, signaling that South Koreans do not want a continuation of Yoon’s policies.

Realigning toward China? The election of the left-leaning Lee Jae-myung could mark a significant shift toward China.

Lee has referred to South Korea’s past policies favoring cooperation with Japan, a longtime U.S. ally in the region, as “subservient.” He has also said Yoon was excessively “antagonistic” toward China.

• During his campaign, he said South Korea should remain uninvolved in any potential conflict between China and Taiwan.
• Lee supports engaging in diplomacy with China and North Korea and wants to make peace with them.

Rift with America: Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering withdrawing thousands of U.S. troops from South Korea, the Wall Street Journal reported. Such a move would contribute significantly to the growing rift between the two nations.

Regarding U.S. tariffs and other foreign-policy moves, Lee said it is bringing “the law of the jungle” into the global order.

Asian allies: The Bible prophesies of a coming Asian alliance headed by Russia and China that will include numerous neighboring nations. South Korea’s shift toward China’s sphere of influence could have far-reaching consequences for the amalgamation of this future alliance.

To learn more, read Russia and China in Prophecy.