China’s efforts to assert regional leadership by mending ties with South Korea and Japan face significant challenges due to North Korea’s resistance and the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

China’s “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy has strained its relations with democratic nations, particularly evident in South Korea, as Yoon Suk-yeol’s presidency has deepened U.S.-South Korea relations. This has been exacerbated by North Korea’s drift toward Moscow, a development that Beijing opposes.

The upcoming trilateral summit between South Korea, Japan and China exemplifies China’s attempt to regain influence in the region. However, the success of this approach remains uncertain.