Since the end of the Cold war in Asia, there has been a noticeable increase of trade relation, traffic of people, and cultural exchange between Republic of Korea, China, and Japan. As a result, an inevitable interdependence between these countries was...
Since the end of the Cold war in Asia, there has been a noticeable increase of trade relation, traffic of people, and cultural exchange between Republic of Korea, China, and Japan. As a result, an inevitable interdependence between these countries was gradually increased. However, on the other hand, unsolved historical disputes have developed misunderstanding and conflict between these countries.
Recently, Republic of Korea is going through territorial disputes about Dokdo against Japan, and historical distortion with China. Also, China argues about the Senkaku Islands and an air defence identification zone in Northeast Asia with Japan, which looks likely a never ending conflict. While the world is now having attentions on “New Asian Century” which provides opportunities, expectations, and concerns, the United States has declared “return to Asia (Us Pivot to Asia)” as a tactical response to the world’s political changes. As a result, the countries around the Korea Peninsula are promoting an aggressive movement in diplomacy in order to protect and develop their countries’ need and development. Especially, China’s remarkable growth and Japan’s political movement by changes in a military policy may act as significant variables in countries’ national strategy.
Since 2013, the diplomatic policy by Geun Hye Park, the president of the Republic of Korea, is “trust diplomacy.” In this “trust diplomacy,” the “trust” is reflecting a tactical and peaceful relationship between countries for the interdependent development and the national interest. However, today’s international relations in Northeast Asia create significant contradictions as Geun Hye Park claimed “Asia Paradox Theory,” before the presidential election, in the international forum held by the Secretariat cooperation in October 2012.
Countries around the world are now complementing their military strategy for their future military defence, and there has been a noticeable sign of preparation of armament in the East Asia. Despite of this hazardous movement, the Republic of Korea is confronting few hardships. We need to prepare for threat from North Korea at the same time neighboring countries around the Korea Peninsula have potential threat. In order to protect the national security from threats of existing situations and potential future enemies, the Republic of Korea needs to wisely make diplomacy of competition and cooperation. Moreover, the country must build and maintain a balance of military cooperation and trust with the countries with solid military force, such as China and Japan.
In addition, wise and peaceful solutions to solve the conflict between the Northeast Asian neighbors should be complemented. Ultimately, in order to build world peace, alleviated relationship, and peaceful unification between North and South Korea, we need to promote a rational foreign policy with countries in the Northeast Asia having a solid military force, such as China and Japan. To discuss a military balance of the Northeast Asia and solutions to build reliable trust, I would like to suggest considerable resolutions.