Four countries surrounding the Korean Peninsula—the United States, Japan, Russia, and China are all superpowers in international politics or countries with regional hegemony. From a pessimistic view, the geopolitical position of the Republic of Korea is at a disadvantage.
However, if viewed from another perspective, this is not necessarily the case. Three of the surrounding powerful nations except for China can be made our friends. Among the four major powers, the fascist totalitarian state of China, which sees the Republic of Korea as a subordinate state, must be handled strongly based on reciprocity. Being close to the U.S. and being on the outs with China no longer works.
If we had to choose between the United States and China, the Republic of Korea must stand on the side of the U.S. and maintain a strong alliance. We have no choice but to accept this fate. In addition, we must rebuild a trilateral alliance with Japan and the United States. We must not view today’s Japan as the imperial Japan that annexed Joseon, but as a partner of the U.S. and the Western camps and that they are an essential friend to the Republic of Korea’s fight against China.
Along the same lines, close cooperation with Russia should also be maintained. Russia is a country with a clear market economy system, not the communist Soviet Union of the past. It is rich in natural resources needed by the Republic of Korea and has endless potential for growth by developing the Arctic Sea routes. This is the same with India, which is hostile towards China due to border disputes, maintains close relations with Russia while maintaining relatively smooth relations with the United States.
Russia and China seem to be close on the surface, but historically, they can never be friends. Russia will rather welcome South Korea’s investment than have Chinese people flock to Primorsky Krai, which has a small population density. Russia can also be used as a card to keep Japan in check as they are also historically old enemies. International geopolitical advantages and disadvantages that cannot be physically changed depend on this operation.
Original article: https://www.jayupress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2532
The views expressed herein are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of One Korea Network.
