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Diplomatic-Pragmatic Korea and Northeast Asia |
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The de-escalation of tensions between Japan and South Korea in 2020 has renewed focus on economic cooperation. Even when the dispute over travel restrictions was resolved by bilateral economic initiatives, bilateral cooperation continued or [pragmatickr.com](https://pragmatickr.com/) expanded. |
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Brown (2013) was the first researcher to study the resistance of pragmatics among L2 Korean learners. His study revealed that a variety of variables such as identity and personal beliefs can influence a student's pragmatic choices. |
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The role of pragmatism South Korea's foreign policy |
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In these times of flux and change South Korea's foreign policy must be clear and bold. It should be able to take a stand on the principle of equality and work towards achieving global public goods like climate change, sustainable development and maritime security. It should also be able to project its influence globally through delivering tangible benefits. However, it must be able to do this without jeopardizing the stability of its economy. |
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This is a challenging task. Domestic politics are a major impediment to South Korea's foreign policy and it is crucial that the presidency manages these constraints domestically in ways that promote public confidence in the national direction and accountability of foreign policies. It is not an easy task because the structures that facilitate foreign policy formation are diverse and complex. This article examines the challenges of managing these domestic constraints to create a coherent foreign policy. |
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South Korea will likely benefit from the current government's emphasis on a pragmatic relationship with allies and partners who have similar values. This strategy can help in resolving the growing attacks on GPS on a values-based basis and create space for Seoul to be able to engage with non-democratic countries. It will also improve the relationship with the United States which remains an essential partner in advancing the liberal democratic world order. |
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Seoul's complicated relationship with China - the country's biggest trading partner - is another challenge. The Yoon administration has made significant progress in the development of multilateral security structures, such as the Quad. However it must weigh this effort against its need to maintain its economic ties with Beijing. |
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Long-time observers of Korean politics have pointed to regionalism and ideology as the main drivers of the political debate, younger voters appear less attached to this perspective. The younger generation has a more diverse worldview, and its values and worldview are changing. This is reflected in the recent rise of K-pop and the rising global appeal of its culture exports. It's still too early to know how these factors will impact the future of South Korea's foreign policy. It is worth keeping an eye on them. |
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South Korea's pragmatic and diplomatic approach to North Korea |
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South Korea must strike a delicate balance to shield itself from rogue states while avoiding getting drawn into power struggles with its large neighbors. It must also consider the trade-offs that are made between values and interests, particularly when it comes down to supporting nondemocratic countries and engaging with human rights activists. In this regard, the Yoon administration's pragmatic and diplomatic approach to North Korea is a significant contrast to previous administrations. |
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As one of the world's most active pivotal states, South Korea must strive for multilateral engagement as a means of positioning itself within a regional and global security network. In its first two-year tenure, the Yoon Administration has actively boosted bilateral ties and expanded participation in minilaterals as well as multilateral forums. These initiatives include the first Korea-Pacific Islands Summit and the second Asia-Pacific Summit for Democracy. |
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These efforts might seem like incremental steps, but they have positioned Seoul to make use of its new partnerships to spread its opinions on global and regional issues. For example, the 2023 Summit for Democracy emphasized the importance of reforming democratic practices and practices to address issues such as corruption, digital transformation and transparency. The summit also announced the implementation of $100 million worth of development cooperation initiatives for democratic governance, including e-governance as well as anti-corruption efforts. |
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In addition, the Yoon government has proactively engaged with organizations and countries with similar values and priorities to support its vision of a global security network. These include the United States, Japan, China, the European Union, ASEAN members, and Pacific Island nations. Progressives might have criticized these activities for being lacking in values and pragmatism, but they can help South Korea develop a more robust toolkit for dealing with rogue countries such as North Korea. |
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The importance of values in GPS, however, could put Seoul in a difficult position if it is forced to make a choice between values and interests. The government's concern for human rights and refusal to deport North Koreans who are accused of committing crimes could lead it, for instance to prioritize policies that are undemocratic in Korea. This is especially true if the government faces a scenario similar to the one of Kwon Pong, who was a Chinese advocate who sought asylum in South Korea. |
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South Korea's trilateral collaboration with Japan. Japan |
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In the face of global uncertainty and an unstable world economy, trilateral collaboration between South Korea and Japan is an opportunity to shine in Northeast Asia. The three countries share a shared security interest regarding the nuclear threat from North Korea, but they also share a major economic concern about developing an efficient and secure supply chain and expanding trade opportunities. The three countries' return in their annual summit at the highest level each year is a clear indication that they want to encourage greater economic integration and cooperation. |
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The future of their relationship However, their relationship will be tested by several factors. The most pressing one is the question of how they can address the issue of human rights violations that have been committed by the Japanese and Korean militaries in their respective colonies. The three leaders agreed to work together to solve these issues, and to create a joint procedure for preventing and reprimanding human rights violations. |
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Another major issue is how to find a balance between the competing interests in East Asia, especially when it comes to maintaining international stability and addressing China's increasing influence in the region. In the past, trilateral security cooperation has often been hindered by disagreements over historical and territorial issues. Despite the recent signs of a more pragmatic stability, these disputes remain latent. |
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The summit was briefly tainted, for example, by North Korea's announcement that it would launch a satellite at the summit and by Japan's decision, which was met with protests by Beijing to extend its military exercises with South Korea and the U.S. |
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It is possible to revive the trilateral relationship in the current context however, it will require leadership and reciprocity of President Yoon and Premier Kishida. If they don't and they don't, the current trilateral cooperation may only provide a temporary respite in a rocky future. If the current trend continues, in the long run, the three countries may be at odds with each other due to their shared security interests. In such a scenario, the only way for the trilateral relationship to endure will be if each country is able to overcome its own national barriers to peace and prosperity. |
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South Korea's trilateral cooperation with China China |
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The 9th China-Japan Korea-China Trilateral Summit wrapped up this week and saw the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China signing a number of important and tangible outcomes. They include the Joint Declaration of the Summit, a Statement on Future Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, and a Joint Vision on Trilateral Intellectual Property Cooperation. These documents are notable for setting out ambitious goals that, in some cases are in opposition to Seoul and Tokyo's cooperation with the United States. |
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The goal is to establish the framework for multilateral cooperation that benefits all three countries. It could include projects to create low-carbon solutions, advance new technologies for aging populations, and enhance collaboration in responding to global challenges like climate changes, epidemics, and food security. It will also focus on enhancing exchanges between people and establishing a trilateral innovation cooperation center. |
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These efforts could also contribute to improving stability in the region. South Korea must maintain a positive relationship with China and Japan. This is particularly important when dealing with regional issues, such as North Korean provocations, tensions in Taiwan Strait and Sino-American rivalry. A deteriorating partnership with one of these countries could result in instability in the other and consequently negatively affect trilateral cooperation between both. |
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It is crucial however that the Korean government makes a clear distinction between bilateral and trilateral engagement with either of these countries. A clear distinction can help reduce the negative effects that a tension-filled relationship between China and Japan can impact trilateral relations. |
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China is primarily seeking to build support between Seoul and Tokyo against possible protectionist policies under the upcoming U.S. administration. China's focus on economic co-operation, particularly through the revival of talks for a China-Japan-Korea FTA and an agreement on trade in services markets is a reflection of this goal. Additionally, Beijing is likely hoping to prevent security cooperation with the United States from undermining the importance of its own trilateral economic and military relations with these East Asian allies. This is a strategic move to combat the growing threat of U.S. protectionism and establish an avenue to counter it with other powers. |
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