White House: 'ROK-U.S. alliance is ironclad… Worried about China’s interference and influence'

Extraordinary message in congratulating President-elect Lee

Intention to keep the new government’s pro-China policy in check

'Korea held a free and fair election'

Dismisses allegations of election fraud raised by some

State Department emphasizes 'U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation'

The White House of the United States delivered a message regarding the election of President-elect Lee Jae-myung, stating that Korea's election was conducted fairly, but also expressing concern about China’s interference in democracies around the world. This is a shift from the usual congratulatory remarks focused on U.S.-ROK cooperation and pledges to defend Korea.

◇Subtle message from the White House

At around 6 p.m. local time on the 3rd (7 a.m. KST on the 4th), the White House responded by email to The Korea Economic Daily’s inquiry on President-elect Lee’s victory, saying, 'The ROK-U.S. alliance remains ironclad,' and, 'While South Korea held a free and fair election, the United States remains concerned about and opposes China’s interference and attempts to exert influence on democracies around the globe.' This response was given 'in the name of a White House official' and distributed identically to other media outlets.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a press briefing five hours earlier, responded to a question on whether there were any comments on the Korean presidential election by saying, 'Of course.' She then fumbled through some folders for a few seconds, saying, 'I’m sure it’s here somewhere…,' before replying, 'We have no position (on the Korean election) yet. We will announce our position soon.' However, an official statement in the spokesperson’s name was not released until the early morning of the 4th local time.

It is very unusual for the White House to issue such a message regarding a democratically elected Korean president. Since the martial law incident last December, the administrations of former President Joe Biden and current President Donald Trump have repeatedly emphasized the 'ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance' and their readiness to work with Korean leadership.

◇Warning against 'pro-China policy'?

Some view the White House’s mention of concern about China as an attempt to check the new Korean government’s potential tilt toward China amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions. The Trump administration has criticized its allies for leaning on the U.S. for security while forging economic ties with China—a stance often referred to as ‘security with America, business with China’ (安美經中). Recently, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pointed out, 'We know that many countries are tempted to pursue economic cooperation with China and defense cooperation with the United States at the same time.'

Given the latest message from the White House, there is speculation that there may be concerns within the White House regarding President-elect Lee or the ruling Democratic Party. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who is said to wield influence over President Trump, posted on social media right after the election, 'Korea, rest in peace,' adding, 'Communists have taken over Korea and won today’s election. Horrific.'

However, the White House drew a clear line regarding election fraud theories raised by some in Korea, stating that the election was 'free and fair.'

Some have criticized that the White House’s comments could spark controversy over interference in another nation’s internal affairs. While it is true that China has intervened in or tried to influence elections in other countries, some point out that it is diplomatically unusual for the White House to release such a message regarding South Korea’s president, who was elected through what it itself described as a 'fair' election and is an ally of the United States.

◇State Department stresses U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation

The State Department presented a different message from the White House. In a statement under the name of Secretary Marco Rubio, the department said, 'We congratulate President-elect Lee on his victory,' and, 'Both countries have a strong alliance based on the Mutual Defense Treaty, shared values, and deep economic ties.' It continued, 'Going forward, we will continue to deepen trilateral cooperation among the U.S., ROK, and Japan to strengthen regional security, enhance economic resilience, and uphold democratic principles.'

Especially noteworthy is the emphasis on trilateral cooperation among the U.S., ROK, and Japan. In the past, President-elect Lee had criticized former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s foreign policy for 'revealing a pro-Japan stance, which could result in (Japan’s) Self-Defense Forces setting foot on the Korean Peninsula.' However, just before the election, Lee shifted to stressing U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation. Kim Hyun-chong, former National Security Office Deputy Director, has said that he visited Washington as an adviser last month to convey President-elect Lee’s intention to strengthen U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation to the U.S. government. The Department of Defense, in a statement from Spokesperson Peter Nguyen, said, 'The United States’ commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and the U.S.-ROK alliance remains ironclad.'

Washington = Lee Sang-eun, Correspondent, selee@hankyung.com