Despite differences on women’s rights, Trudeau pitches closer ties on South Korea visit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set the tone Wednesday for closer ties between Canada and South Korea, drawing attention to a historic relationship of shared sacrifice while tiptoeing around the thorn in the side of — even different — policy differences between the two countries.

The first full day of his visit began with a speech at the country’s National Assembly, where he highlighted the deep, barely appreciated cultural ties between the two countries.

He paid tribute to Canadian Frank Schofield, a Protestant missionary who more than 100 years ago supported the Korean independence movement from the Japanese empire and – today – is the only foreigner buried in the Patriot Plot at the National Cemetery of Korea.

It was a particularly chilling reference in the South Korean media’s coverage of the event.

The long-standing expression of kinship, however, comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions 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 bilateral relations and Asian countries, which have experienced military provocations and attacks from the reclusive North Korean regime.

“I’m here to tell you that it’s not enough to be friends – we have to be best friends,” Trudeau said as he explained the volatile geopolitical landscape. “Right now, the world is facing uncertainty the likes of which we have never seen in our lifetime.”

The contrast is stark in women in society

In many respects, Trudeau’s speech hit all the familiar notes – climate change, investment, economic resilience and gender equality.

There is a stark contrast between the two countries in the role of women in society. The Liberal government has declared itself a fierce champion of women’s rights. This is in contrast to the administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is running on an anti-feminist platform and has promised, among other things, to dismantle the country’s gender equality ministry – a proposal that has drawn attention 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 debating the so-called “child-free zones” of which there are around 500 across the country – public spaces beyond normal bars and some restaurants where children are not allowed.

Trudeau did not directly criticize his host’s policies. However, he noted that Canada’s $10-a-day childcare program has helped “women’s participation in the economy reach an all-time high.”

Korea is also working on plans to expand childcare options, Trudeau said.

“It’s important to support parents in balancing career and family commitments,” he said.

“Because inclusion, gender equality and support for families make our society stronger and our democracy healthier.”

It’s the closest Trudeau has come to pushing for gender equality.

North Korea’s nuclear threat

But when reference is made to North Korea you see South Korean lawmakers lean in and listen intently.

“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.”

WATCH | Defending against the North Korean nuclear threat:

That is easier said than done. The first four months of this year saw North Korea test fire up to 26 missiles, including the latest version of its intercontinental rocket.

Last week, Yoon established a new government committee tasked with ensuring “greater” South Korean military power to counter North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats.

He explained it as a preventive policy.

However, the policy does not include South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons.

The government here has been considering the idea since the 1970s.

However, the US has recently talked about this. Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and engage Seoul in nuclear planning operations. In return, South Korea has agreed not to develop its own nuclear weapons.