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International relations

South Korea faces dilemma over Trump's G-7 summit invitation

Attending would boost Seoul's global clout but risks angering China

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, center, is having to pick sides to some extent between the U.S. and China. (Source photo by AP/Reuters) 

SEOUL -- U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt weekend invitation for South Korea to attend the next Group of Seven summit was a dream come true for the status-conscious country. But it has also sparked uncomfortable debate over possible negative implications for a nation dependent on trade and good relations with nearby power China.

Despite the apprehension, President Moon Jae-in accepted the offer on Monday in a 15-minute phone call with the U.S. leader. But he was careful to limit Seoul's role to the issues of coronavirus response, for which South Korea has been praised globally, and economics -- a clear attempt to avoid upsetting Beijing.

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