One of the most debated issues in the Asia-Pacific in recent years has been the future of regional security. Disputes between the states of the region over islands or seas have led to further escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific. In addition, security concerns of the regional states stemming from North Korea and Russia persist. In particular, the United States of America’s (USA) efforts to establish and expand defence alliances with its allies in the name of ensuring and maintaining regional security and stability have exacerbated these tensions.
A similar situation to the eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Europe is unfolding in the Asia-Pacific. In line with the “principle of indivisible security”, Russia argues that such expansionary steps jeopardise the security of other states. This view is shared by China. The expansion of Western security formations into the Asia-Pacific has brought about regional polarisation. As a result, factors such as “security dilemma” and “escalation” emerge in the region, to put it in realist paradigm. In order to stop this escalation, it is of great importance for the states of the region to continue and advance their search for dialogue and cooperation.
In particular, Japan and South Korea’s development of military-security partnerships with the United States, citing regional security risks, subsequently threatens China’s national security. The acceleration of Western actors’ deployments in the Asia-Pacific means China’s further encirclement. In this context, countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, New Zealand and even India are increasingly positioning themselves at the opposite pole of China. For this reason, Beijing’s criticism of the Cold War mentality, its emphasis on win-win approach, and its call for dialogue and cooperation are actually an important warning message to the states in the region. The fact that these calls have started to yield results is promising for the future. In this respect, it has been suggested that China, Japan and South Korea are planning to hold a summit in May 2024.[1] According to Japanese and South Korean media reports, South Korea is in talks with China and Japan to host a trilateral summit in May.[2] It is aimed to revitalise a process that has been on hold since 2019 due to the pandemic and political tensions. Economic cooperation and regional issues are expected to be discussed at the meeting.
The South Korean Presidential Office announced that they are in negotiations for the trilateral summit. It is stated that Seoul has been pressing for the summit to go ahead for months. To recall, the foreign ministers of the three countries had agreed to hold a meeting in November 2023. However, the momentum has slowed down since then. Japanese Government Spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that Tokyo will work with China and South Korea for a summit. Pressure on China has increased in recent years as Japan and South Korea have moved closer to Washington and the three countries have increased their security co-operation to the highest levels. The US and its allies are pressurising China to use its influence over North Korea and Russia. Therefore, China has recently focused particularly on improving its dialogue with the United States, while at the same time trying to maintain positive relations with Japan and South Korea.
Developments in the Far East also affect the geopolitical environment in the rest of the world. Due to its national capacity, China’s relations with other states, and especially with its neighbours, create a domino effect and shape global politics. In this context, recent developments in China’s relations with Japan and South Korea have the capacity to change the agenda and politics not only in the Far East but also in Europe and the Western World in general.
China has many reasons to maintain good relations with Japan and South Korea. Firstly, it aims to break the West’s prejudiced attitude towards it and end its political enmity. Secondly, China aims to soften the crisis environment caused by the West’s polarisation policy and to reduce regional tensions in this context. Thirdly, Beijing wants to accurately explain its foreign policy principles and portray the image of a peaceful country. The fourth and most pragmatic reason is China’s desire to continue its rise in the global system by softening its foreign policy environment and reducing geopolitical tensions. In conclusion, despite all the negativities and geopolitical tensions in the region, Beijing strives to improve relations with Seoul and Tokyo and to eliminate regional risks and threats. A possible political harmony between these three countries would also have positive geopolitical consequences.
[1] “China, Japan and South Korea looking to hold summit in May, reports say”, Japantimes, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/04/05/japan/politics/japan-china-south-korea-summit-planned/, (Date of Access: 05.04.2024).
[2] Ibid.
