President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea is carefully reviewing the potential impact of tariff talks with the United States on its financial markets and is seeking ways to maximize mutual benefits in the ongoing negotiations.

Lee made the remarks in a written interview with Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times, published Friday.

The paper reported that ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Gyeongju on Wednesday, Lee is working to find common ground with the U.S., but is cautious about imposing artificial deadlines on the trade talks.

On relations with China amid U.S.-China tensions, Lee said South Korea must act based on national interests, considering both competitive and cooperative factors.

Lee also urged restraint over recent anti-China protests in South Korea, saying they only fuel distrust between neighboring countries.

The interview marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Singapore.