| ID | 169150 |
| Title Proper | Resetting the South Korea–China relationship |
| Other Title Information | the THAAD controversies and their aftermath |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Han, Sukhee |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Despite 25 years of unprecedentedly friendly ties between South Korea and
China, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) disputes and China’s
ensuing sanctions against South Korea have forced the bilateral relationship
into an unprecedented standoff. Given South Korea’s growing dependence on
China in economic and North Korean affairs, commentators always assumed
that the South Korean government would “manage” this relationship. China has
maintained a close relationship to keep South Korea within its orbit, restraining
Seoul from further efforts to strengthen the U.S.–South Korean alliance. However,
the Park Geun-hye government’s decision to respond to North Korea’s incessant
provocations by deploying the THAAD system in South Korea caused China to
implement economic retaliation. The ensuing paralysis of bilateral relations has
lasted for over a year. A key problem for the future of the bilateral relationship is
the fact that both countries have lost trust in each other. China views South Korea’s
decision to deploy THAAD as a betrayal of its support, while South Korea objects
to China’s relentless economic bullying. Consequently, post–THAAD South Korea–
China relations are likely to reflect South Korea’s efforts to reduce its dependency
on China and to manage its development in a more balanced way. |
| `In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 31, No.4; Dec 2019: p.539－557 |
| Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol: 31 No 4 |
| Key Words | South Korea - China Relations ; Victory Day ; THAAD Controvers ; Economic Retaliation ; Post - THAAD |