The regional repercussions of the rivalry between the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and China have become increasingly apparent. This situation forces the states in the region to choose a side and declare their allegiance. In this context, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia are known to have adopted a pro-Western and pro-US stance.
At this point, it can be said that South Korea and Japan are among the most prominent states. This is because the US, South Korea and Japan cooperate in many exercises in the region.[1] This is driving a wedge between Seoul and Tokyo and Beijing. Dialogue and security relations between these actors are strained.
On the other hand, Japan and South Korea also need the support of the West and the US due to their struggle with China and the North Korean threat. In this context, it can be argued that these relations are win-win for the US in terms of its economic and political influence in the region. Washington’s allies in the region, particularly Tokyo and Seoul, are important for the US policy of containing China. At the same time, these states receive various economic benefits and security assurances from the US.
At this point, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s increased criticism of the Chinese ambassador on May 13, 2023, and the ambassador’s statement that South Korea had made a very wrong decision by siding with the United States instead of China was disrespectful.[2]
On May 8, 2023, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming said that Seoul had made a “wrong bet” and that it was a grave mistake to side with the United States. The South Korean Foreign Ministry summoned Xing on 9 May 202 to condemn and criticize him for these remarks. The ministry described the remarks as “provocative”.[3]
Yoon Suk Yeol made the following statements about the situation in question:[4]
“Looking at Ambassador Xing’s demeanor, it is doubtful whether his behavior as a diplomat promotes mutual respect or friendship. Our people are disturbed by his inappropriate behavior.”
It is known that South Korea has had important alliance relations with the US for many years. As a matter of fact, the country is home to approximately 28 thousand US soldiers.[5] When this situation is taken into account, the reason for Xing’s statements in question becomes even clearer.
At this point, it can be argued that the North Korean threat plays an important role in South Korea’s positive relations with the West, the US and NATO. Indeed, Pyongyang is a major nuclear power and in 2022 conducted a record-breaking test of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).[6]
On the other hand, sanctions resolutions against North Korea face vetoes from Russia and China in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). As a matter of fact, Seoul is one of the actors that feels the threat from Pyongyang most closely. South Korea’s geopolitical positioning plays an important role in this.
In this context, the security assurances that Seoul receives from Washington are critical and important for South Korea. Moreover, this creates a legitimate basis for US activities in the Asia-Pacific region. At this point, again, a win-win based relationship concept emerges.
As a result, it can be argued that the tensions in the region will not be resolved in the short term and the polarization and rivalry between the countries in the region will continue to increase. In this context, it can be said that South Korea will play a very important role.
[1] “US , South Korea, Japan Hold Joint Amid North Korea Threats”, Voice of America News, https://www.voanews.com/a/us-south-korea-japan-hold-joint-drills-amid-north-korea-threats/6973699.html, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
[2] “South Korean Leader Criticises China Envoy Over ‘Inappropriate’ Remarks”, Yahoo News, https://news.yahoo.com/south-koreas-yoon-questions-whether-055534666.html, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
[3] “South Korean Leader Criticises China Envoy Over ‘Inappropriate’ Remarks”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-yoon-questions-whether-china-envoy-showed-mutual-respect-yonhap-2023-06-1, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
[4] “South Korean Leader Criticises China Envoy Over ‘Inappropriate’ Remarks”, Yahoo News, https://news.yahoo.com/south-koreas-yoon-questions-whether-055534666.html, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
[5] “South Korean Leader Criticises China Envoy Over ‘Inappropriate’ Remarks”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-yoon-questions-whether-china-envoy-showed-mutual-respect-yonhap-2023-06-1, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
[6] “North Korea’s Record Year of Missile Testing is Putting the World on Edge”, Cable News Network, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/26/asia/north-korea-missile-testing-year-end-intl-hnk/index.html, (Date of Accession: 13.06.2023).
