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While on a state visit to Australia, South Korean President Moon Jae-in responds to reporters’ questions at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Monday. (Yonhap News)

President Moon Jae-in said Monday that the South Korean government is “not considering a diplomatic boycott” of the Beijing Olympics.

“We have not been encouraged to participate in the boycott by the US or any other nation,” the South Korean president said. Moon, who is currently in Australia on a state visit, made the remarks at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the nation’s parliament in Canberra. This was the first time the South Korean president directly addressed the issue of the diplomatic boycott.

The US announced its decision to not send a diplomatic envoy to the Beijing Olympics on Dec. 6, citing human rights concerns regarding Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region. The UK, Canada, Australia and soon followed suit.

Amidst this intensifying US-China rivalry, it seems that the South Korean president is trying to stay on neutral ground. In particular, Moon is working hard to achieve progress on a declaration to end the Korean War involving the US, China, and the two Koreas before the end of his term.

“Our relationship with China is also very important on an economic level. Koreans have another consideration — we need China to play a constructive role in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the denuclearization of North Korea. South Korea is working to maintain a harmonious relationship with China based on our firm alliance with the US,” Moon said at the press conference.

The South Korean government hasn’t decided on the rank of the diplomats that will attend the Beijing Olympics. But given the US’ boycott and the low likelihood of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attending amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevailing view is that Moon probably won’t be going himself.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during the regular press conference on Monday that China “positively recognizes” Moon’s statement that Korea isn’t considering a diplomatic boycott.

“China and [South Korea] maintain close communication and coordination on the Korean Peninsula issue. We stand ready to work together with [South Korea] for a political resolution and contribute to lasting peace and security on the Peninsula,” Wang added.

During their summit, Moon and Morrison agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and to strengthen cooperation on national security and the economy. Under the agreement, Korea will export 30 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Australia and Australia will provide Korea with rare earth elements and critical minerals necessary for Korean industry.

By Lee Wan and Kim Ji-eun, staff reporters

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]