Chinese State Media Claims South Korea-U.S. Alliance Has Shifted to 'Interest-Centric' Focus

Chinese state media outlet Global Times reported an expert analysis claiming that the South Korea-U.S. alliance has transformed from one based on trust to one prioritizing 'pragmatic interests,' citing a series of recent developments such as restrictions on intelligence sharing between Seoul and Washington.

Professor Zhan Debin argued that the current South Korea-U.S. alliance is shifting from a foundation of 'shared values' to a transactional relationship centered on 'calculating benefits.'

Director Zhan emphasized that the key lies in whether South Korea can escape the structural dilemma of being 'dependent and constrained' rather than waiting for changes from the U.S., adding that South Korea should seize this friction as an opportunity to enhance its defense capabilities and expand its flexible diplomatic space.