South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for more confident diplomacy based on “mutual respect”, in remarks seen by observers as a veiled response to mounting US pressure over issues including intelligence-sharing, defence autonomy and the regulation of American companies.

“As a sovereign nation, we will focus on diplomacy that builds genuine friendships with our allies with confidence,” Lee said while presiding over a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

South Korea must continue to develop cooperation with its traditional allies, he said, adding: “Based on mutual respect, we need the wisdom to resolve pending issues according to common sense and principles, and to build a healthy, future-oriented relationship.”

His comments come as Seoul faces growing friction with Washington on several fronts, including South Korea’s push for greater control over its own defence, US accusations that regulators are unfairly targeting American companies and reports of reduced intelligence-sharing over North Korea.

Lee said some Koreans were gripped by overblown security anxieties despite the country having the world’s fifth-largest military and a strong defence industry – before factoring in the 28,500 US troops stationed on the peninsula.