South Korea's Place in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN

Bangkok – Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions among global powers, middle powers are stepping up efforts to consolidate their positions on the world stage. The Republic of Korea (ROK) and ASEAN are no exception.

On the 35th anniversary of their ties, Seoul has put forward a plan to establish a „Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)” with ASEAN. This underscores South Korea's commitment to developing strategic and sustainable engagements with its regional counterparts.

Central to Seoul's strategy is fostering partnerships with „like-minded” countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This approach is consistent with South Korea's broader foreign policy objectives outlined in President Yoon Suk-yeol's „Free, Peaceful and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Strategy” released in December 2022. State” on the world stage.

Connecting with like-minded countries

Throughout 2023, President Yun made state and working visits to 15 countries, primarily in the North Pacific and Europe. The visit to the US, Japan and France was notable for highlighting Seoul's commitment to strengthening alliances in the face of challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions on the Korean Peninsula and unfriendly moves in the Taiwan Strait.

Of particular importance was the trilateral summit held at Camp David in August, where the leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalize their relationship through new mechanisms. This includes establishing annual tripartite meetings between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Commerce and Finance.

In Europe, South Korea has taken steps to increase its engagement with NATO, culminating in the establishment of an embassy in November 2022. South Korea sat in on a NATO summit in June of the same year, marking the president's first foreign trip. He took office.

Economic interests also featured prominently in Yun's discussions when he met UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with talks of a possible free trade agreement (FTA) and cooperation on climate change efforts.

Climate change, clean energy and the development of future industries were also key issues discussed by Yun with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Yoon's visit to the Netherlands yielded concrete results, including agreements on semiconductor development and energy storage technology. While in the Netherlands, Yoon visited ASML's site in Veldhoven. He was accompanied by Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Chairman Sei Tae-won. He also oversaw two commercial deals, including a joint venture between Samsung Electronics and ASML on hydrogen-powered extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology for vehicles.

Building relationships with the Global South

In addition to strengthening ties with traditional allies, the Yun government has prioritized engagement with the Global South, particularly ASEAN. The adoption of the so-called Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) reflects Seoul's commitment to promoting cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues.

KASI outlines eight key initiatives aimed at promoting ASEAN centrality and prosperity, including increased development assistance and strategic integration. South Korea has pledged to finance various sub-regional mechanisms within ASEAN.

In May last year, Seoul launched its first Korea-Pacific Islands summit, becoming the third country to host the summit after the US and India. Acknowledging the region as a „key partner” for his Indo-Pacific strategy, Yoon pledged US$39.9 million by 2027 to work with member states on development, climate crisis, natural disasters, fisheries and food and health security.

Apart from ASEAN and the Pacific Islands, South Korea sees massive economic potential in the Middle East. President Yoon visited the UAE last year and reached various agreements including hydrogen use in cities, water resource management, transportation, sovereign investment partnership, financial cooperation between TAQA (Abu Dhabi National Energy Agency) and Korea's Exim Bank. .

Yoon also visited Qatar and Saudi Arabia in October. According to Choi Sang-mok, senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the „big three economies” and „big playground” for South Korea.

Revitalizing ASEAN Relations

Looking ahead, South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy has significant implications for bilateral relations with ASEAN. As South Korea seeks to position itself as a „global core state,” ASEAN must be prepared to engage with Seoul on a wide range of security and economic issues.

First, ASEAN should be prepared to engage in traditional and non-traditional defense cooperation with South Korea. The defense industry is welcomed by many ASEAN countries, with the Philippines and Indonesia being the largest importers of South Korean weapons in the region.

Second, the realignment of key players on the Korean Peninsula will help shape a new strategic landscape. ASEAN will inevitably suffer from this impasse.

South Korea has been proactive in engaging with multiple players under the Indo-Pacific umbrella, although these interactions often focus on national interest. As part of its desire to become a „global core state,” Seoul must „lead the rise of the rest” by leading other middle powers and players, particularly in addressing global and regional issues based on the climate crisis and the digital divide. .

Furthermore, South Korea's success in the changing geopolitical landscape depends on its ability to bridge the divide between developed and developing countries.

As a country renowned for its „soft powers,” South Korea needs to broaden the scope of its public diplomacy in ASEAN and foster deeper people-to-people ties. For example, Seoul should create „Friends of ROK”, which will turn the „fan” of K-pop singers or actors and actresses into a network supporting future leaders, alumni, import-export and industry professionals.

With South Korea accepting non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and celebrating the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations with ASEAN in 2024, the stage is set for a renewed focus on ASEAN-ROK cooperation to address global and regional challenges.

Seksan Anantasirikiat is the Publicity Director of the Korean Thai Studies Association (KATS) and a member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA). The views expressed here are personal and do not reflect his affiliations.