Despite differences on women's rights, Trudeau pitches closer ties on South Korea visit
Prime minister addresses South Korean National Assembly
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pitch Wednesday for even closer ties between Canada and South Korea, appealing to the historical links of shared sacrifice while tiptoeing around the thorny — even stark — policy differences between the two nations.
The first full day of his visit started with an address to the country's National Assembly, in which he highlighted the deep, almost underappreciated, cultural ties between the countries.
He paid tribute to Canadian Frank Schofield, a Protestant missionary who, over 100 years ago, supported the Korean independence movement from the Japanese empire and is — today — the only foreigner buried in the Patriots' Plot at the Korean National Cemetery.
It was a reference that deeply resonated in South Korean media coverage of the event.
The expression of long-standing kinship, however, was delivered against a backdrop of heightened tension with North Korea.
The speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Kim Jin-pyo, told the country's lawmakers that Trudeau's visit comes at a "decisive moment" in both bilateral relations and for the Asian country, which has faced an increasing number of military provocations and outbursts from the reclusive North Korean regime.
"I'm here to tell you that it's no longer enough to be friends — we need to be the best of friends," Trudeau said in describing the unstable geopolitical landscape. "Right now, our world is facing a moment of uncertainty like we've never seen in our lifetimes."
Stark contrast on women in society
In many respects, Trudeau's speech hit all of the familiar notes — climate change, investment, economic resilience and gender equality.
It is on the role of women in society that a stark contrast between the two nations was on display. The Liberal government bills itself as a fierce champion of women's rights. That stands in contrast to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's government, which ran on an anti-feminist platform and has promised, among other things, to dismantle the country's gender equality ministry — a proposal that drew a sharp rebuke from human rights group Amnesty International. His government has abolished gender quotas in public administration, saying people will be hired on merit, not sex.
In addition, the country is mired in a debate about so-called "no kid zones," of which there are about 500 across the nation — public spaces beyond the normal bars and some restaurants where children are not allowed.
Trudeau did not directly criticize the policies of his host. He noted, however, that Canada's $10-a-day child-care program has helped "women's participation in the economy reach an all-time high."
South Korea is also working on a plan to expand child-care options, Trudeau said.
"It's important to support parents in balancing their careers and family commitments," he said. "Because inclusion, gender equality and support for families make our societies stronger and our democracies healthier."
It was the closest Trudeau came to a rebuke on gender equality.
There is a well-documented, vast pay gap and persistent sexism in South Korea that women have been protesting for years.
Later Wednesday, when the two leaders met the media, the South Korean president was asked whether he and Trudeau had discussed feminism.
"Ahhhh, feminism," Yoon said in English, before switching back to Korean. He said the answer depended on your definition of feminism.
The answer, however, was no, they did not discuss it.
Trudeau quickly interjected.
"We talked about a wide range of topics during our many discussions this afternoon," Trudeau said.
"I did highlight that one of the most important things is to ensure that all citizens get to participate in the success of our economies, and that governments do have a responsibility to step up on inclusive policies, including policies around gender equality."
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, also on the trip to Seoul, downplayed the difference, saying good personal relationships go a long way in diplomacy.
"President Yoon and Prime Minister Trudeau click very well," Joly said.
"You're able to address the more difficult issues [where] you don't necessarily see eye to eye. But we're at that level with Korea at this point where we can address these issues."
While Canada tries to politely address the issue, Amnesty International has launched a petition, calling the abolition of South Korea's gender equality ministry a devastating blow for women's rights in this country.
North Korea's nuclear threat
Trudeau's references to North Korea also garnered attention, where you saw South Korean lawmakers lean in and listen carefully.
"Canada is committed to supporting the Republic of Korea's efforts toward a denuclearized, peaceful and prosperous Korean peninsula," Trudeau said. "We will continue to call on North Korea to return to dialogue and diplomacy."
That's easier said than done. The first four months of this year saw North Korea test fire as many as 26 missiles, including the newest version of its intercontinental rocket.
Last week, Yoon established a new government committee whose task is to guarantee South Korea's "overwhelming" military power to counter North Korean missile and nuclear threats.
He described it as a policy of deterrence.
That policy, however, will not include South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons.
The government here has been flirting with the idea since the 1970s.
However, the U.S. just recently talked them out of it. Washington has agreed to periodically deploy U.S. nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations. In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapon.
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