South Korea Leads Multilateral Trade Efforts Amid Rising Protectionism

South Korea is positioning itself as a leader in multilateral cooperation to tackle rising global protectionism and supply chain challenges, as highlighted by President Lee Jae Myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. The country aims to balance its trade relations by strengthening ties with the United States, maintaining stable supply chains with China, and diversifying its network of trade partners to mitigate vulnerabilities amid heightened U.S.–China tensions. South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasized the importance of achieving mutually beneficial trade agreements, particularly with the U.S., while also expanding partnerships with Southeast and South Asian nations. The World Trade Organization (WTO) continues to play a central role in global trade governance despite stress from protectionism, with calls to diversify supply chains to enhance economic security and resilience. South Korea, hosting the APEC summit, is actively promoting initiatives like artificial intelligence cooperation and supply chain solidarity to foster inclusive growth and counteract nationalist trade policies. The nation seeks to navigate geopolitical complexities by advocating for multilateralism and economic collaboration to ensure regional stability and growth.