ASEAN-Korea Cooperation: A Strategic Crossroads

IMPORTANT MILESTONE

As one of ASEAN's important dialogue partners, over the past 30 years since establishing dialogue relations, ASEAN and Korea have made many significant developments.

In terms of trade alone, bilateral trade turnover increased 20 times in 2019 compared to the 1980s. Both sides expect bilateral trade to reach 200 billion USD by 2020.

ASEAN is currently Korea's second largest trade and investment partner and the most popular tourist destination for its people, while Korea is ASEAN's fifth largest economic partner and the top destination for ASEAN workers, students and tourists.

South Korean President with ASEAN leaders at the 2018 summit. Photo: The Korea Herald

More than two years ago, South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office and set a priority for promoting cooperation with Southeast Asian countries within the framework of the “New Southern Policy”.

The Korean government asserts that this is not just a word, but a real policy priority, represented by a slogan with 3 Ps: people, prosperity and peace.

Since then, the cooperative relationship between ASEAN and Korea has become increasingly close, reflected in all aspects of diplomacy, economics, security, culture, etc. Mr. Moon Jae-in became the first President of Korea to visit all 10 ASEAN countries in just the first half of his term.

In parallel, the two sides have successfully organized many ministerial-level conferences, from Defense, Foreign Affairs to Culture, Forestry, etc.; established cooperation agencies in each field such as the Center for Science and Technology Cooperation, the Center for Financial Cooperation; expanded cooperation funds such as the Korea - ASEAN and Korea - Mekong Funds, and the New Southward ODA funding program.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife. Photo: BNG

For Seoul, the “New Southern Policy” not only helps South Korea expand cooperation with new partners and increase its influence in a large region, but also creates an opportunity to reduce its heavy dependence on four long-standing partners of South Korea: the US, China, Japan and the European Union (EU).

The previous approach of focusing too much on major powers has limited South Korea's diplomatic strategy, while uncertainties about the international political order are increasing.

By diversifying foreign relations, especially with middle-ranking countries in Southeast Asia, South Korea will reduce its previous isolation when it only cared about major countries such as China, the US and Japan; at the same time, it will gain specific economic and security benefits.

Meanwhile, it can be seen that all ASEAN countries welcome Korea's new southern policy with the expectation that Seoul will become an important partner to help complement and maximize the interests of each side.

For ASEAN, Korea is a “near neighbor” with many similarities in history and culture, and no geopolitical competition or conflict. This is a key point to help maintain and develop the relationship in a sustainable manner.

Flags of the 10 ASEAN member countries. Photo: Reuters

The event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-Korea dialogue relations is considered an important milestone, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the cooperation process as well as open the door to a promising future for the bilateral relationship.

It can be seen that both ASEAN and Korea have attached importance to this special event by organizing a series of diplomatic and cultural events over the past year.

CATALYST FOR ASEAN - KOREA RELATIONS

Perhaps it is no coincidence that both Korea and the 10 ASEAN countries have given priority to this ASEAN-Korea Special Summit. This can be seen as the starting point for a new journey in which both sides hope to take their cooperative relationship to a new level after 3 decades of “laying the foundation”.

Indeed, from both objective and subjective perspectives, ASEAN and Korea have every opportunity to elevate their relationship and make cooperation more sustainable.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in puts ASEAN at the heart of his New Southern Policy. Photo: AFP

The current world order is facing many challenges such as US-China competition, complex issues in the East Sea and Japan-Korea tensions... which have contributed to pushing Korea and ASEAN closer together.

It can be said that China-US competition and cooperation are important factors affecting the situation in the Asia-Pacific region in general and the foreign environment of Korea in particular.

Economically, China is South Korea's number one export trading partner, with the United States in second place. However, in terms of security, the Moon administration still considers the United States as the top partner in dealing with the challenge from North Korea.

The United States and China are entering a period of fierce strategic competition between an established power and a rising power. The growing competition between the United States and China puts smaller countries like South Korea at risk of losing their role and being forced to choose sides.

Of course, this choice always comes with risks, which is why President Moon has expressed his view of multilateralizing and diversifying diplomatic relations.

Despite differences in political institutions and economic development levels, ASEAN member countries have managed their disagreements well through gradual, persistent dialogue and close cooperation to develop into a flexible and exemplary regional cooperation mechanism.

The Republic of Korea highly values ​​ASEAN's stance on the Indo-Pacific region and will continue to seek cooperation possibilities with the Republic of Korea's New Southern Policy.

ASEAN - Korea celebrate 30 years of dialogue relations from November 25-28, 2019. Photo: Getty

For ASEAN, too, geopolitical competition among major powers poses challenges for the bloc in maintaining balance and avoiding the impacts of the “war” of major powers. Cooperation with Seoul will of course bring practical benefits in terms of trade and security for ASEAN.

In short, in a volatile world where every country including Korea and ASEAN has moved deeply into the global value chain, no country can survive and prosper without commitment and cooperation.

Korea is an essential and indispensable partner of ASEAN, and ASEAN will also become an equally important partner to Korea as other powers.

The ASEAN-Korea Special Summit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations is a good opportunity for the two sides to shape the development direction for the future, for stability, prosperity and sustainability.

ASEAN-Korea train - an activity to celebrate the Summit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. Photo: Manh Hung/VNA