South Korea’s Survival on a Tightrope: The Impacts of the Clash between the US and China on South Korea, in comparison to Japan

Abstract

Northeast Asia is a both a pivotal and a highly volatile region in the global political and economic landscape. The balance of power in the region rested upon the United States’ political and economic influence over its allies. However, China’s rapid economic growth following the diplomatic move away from its isolationist policies pose a direct challenge to the established power of the US. China has already assumed regional economic dominance, which is being echoed by China’s growing presence of high politics in Northeast Asia.

I investigate the effects of this China-US clash, which is developing into a power struggle, in the high and low politics of South Korea, comparing them to those of Japan when appropriate.

While South Korean low politics could benefit from increased competitiveness of industries in the global market as a result of the US-China trade war, there is also a risk of economic retaliations resulting from political decisions. Similarly, a thorough backing of the US may stabilise the South Korean high politics, but also increase the possibility of military conflict against a greater Chinese power. There will certainly be unavoidable trade-offs when prioritising high politics over low politics or vice versa.

South Korea is yet faced with an urgent necessity to embrace the American alliance at the expense of economic and political relations with China. Security provided by a military alliance with the US is certainly welcome, and it will provide time for South Korea to consolidate its low politics in its economy and global reputation.