“In October 2025, the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea
had to create a stage for ‘bridge diplomacy’ with the APEC 2025 KOREA (Gyeongju Declaration),
and ▸ manage North Korean missiles, defense industry exports, and the global supply chain simultaneously amidst the diplomatic battle between Trump’s visit to Korea, the $350 billion trade package, and the US-China
summit.” APEC
1. APEC Gyeongju and Bridge Diplomacy
Attempt to establish a new normative order encompassing AI, digital, climate, and supply chains through the APEC 2025 KOREA Gyeongju Declaration (Connect·Innovate·Prosper) .
The Office of the President defined this as an opportunity for Korea to step forward as a designer of order between the U.S. and China .
2. Trump's visit to Korea and the $350 billion package
Trump's visit to Korea and the $350 billion trade package (investment, shipbuilding, and tariff adjustments) are at the center of the October agenda.
While cooperation on trade and security with the U.S. is expanding ,
concerns also exist in Korea about the implementation of investments and the financial burden.
3. North Korea's Missiles and Security vs. Defense Industry Competitiveness
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising due to North Korea's short-range missile provocations.
At the same time, at ADEX 2025, Korea declared its goal of becoming “the world’s fourth-largest defense power by 2030.”
The Office of the President emphasizes the balance of restraint + defense exports + diplomatic management .
The Guardian: The Structure of the $350 Billion Package's Actual Investment Implementation and Tariff Adjustments
How strongly was the phrase “free, open, and rules-based trade” reflected in the APEC Gyeongju Declaration ?
The Effectiveness of North Korea's Missiles, Defense Industry, and South Korea-US-Japan Cooperation. AP News
"South Korea is not just an investment and export partner; it is a strategic ally
that will jointly design AI, defense, supply chain, and Indo-Pacific norms ."
Is Korea a "bridge" between the US and China at APEC, or is it effectively joining the bloc? East Asia Forum
Whether defense exports and cooperation between South Korea, the US, and Japan are leading to a strategy to contain China . Reuters
"While Korea values a values-based and normative alliance, it also seeks to
maintain stable economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges with China
. This is why APEC and the G20 emphasize the 'supply chain stability and inclusiveness' agenda." Korea Joongang
The tone of exchange between the leaders of Korea and Japan at Gyeongju APEC ,
How far will Korea-Japan cooperation expand in defense, semiconductor, and Indo-Pacific strategies ? IRIS
“Korea and Japan reaffirm that they are strategic partners who must work together to address common crises
such as North Korea’s nuclear program, supply chains, a super-aging society, and population decline , and will institutionalize cooperation through regular consultations even after APEC.” East Asia Forum
Reuters: South Korea adopts
a diversification strategy rather than a US bias in defense, AI, energy transition, and batteries
How climate, energy transition, population structure, and inclusiveness were reflected in the Gyeongju Declaration . APEC
Korea is willing to expand joint projects, standards, and joint R&D with Europe
in defense, nuclear power, batteries, and green energy .
How much does Korea reflect
the Global South agenda, including food, health, debt, climate, and digital divide, in APEC and the G20 ? Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Concerns are growing that the $350 billion deal and expanded defense exports will exacerbate
regional arms races and economic imbalances . Reuters
Korea is expanding its role
from an aid recipient to a bridging donor
, providing experience, technology, and private sector expertise . The APEC Gyeongju Declaration is the document that formalizes this direction.
On the international stage in October, South Korea pledged to "connect, innovate, and prosper"
through the APEC Gyeongju Declaration , and amidst the diplomatic battles between South Korea, the US, China, Japan, and the 21 APEC member countries, it began putting bridge diplomacy into action. The Office of the President's International Cooperation Policy Communication Briefing must become South Korea's official "storyteller," translating and explaining these complex diplomatic, security, and trade issues in the language of the people. Korea.net
