Seoul: A security expert in the United States highlighted the importance of South Korea making diplomatic efforts to persuade China against causing conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Ellen Kim, director of academic programs at the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), underscored the difficulty South Korea might face in avoiding involvement in a potential Taiwan contingency, especially considering the presence of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim noted during a press meeting that South Korea should focus on diplomatic strategies to prevent conflict, emphasizing that engaging China diplomatically to avoid conflict in the Taiwan Strait is crucial. She stressed that a conflict would be detrimental to China and highlighted the potential of USFK forces being mobilized, which could inadvertently draw South Korea into a Taiwan-related conflict.
Kim pointed out the strategic significance of USFK troops and how their involvement could be perceived as a threat by China. She warned that if China considers U.S. forces as aggressors, South Korea might automatically find itself in the conflict. Kim called for South Korea to deliberate on its response to Taiwan Strait issues, which have broader implications beyond local concerns.
South Korea has traditionally been cautious about discussing its role in Taiwan Strait contingencies, aiming to maintain stable relations with China, a significant trading partner. However, recent years have seen Seoul taking a more defined stance, supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in official documents.
In addition, Scott Snyder, president and CEO of KEI, discussed ongoing trade talks between Seoul and Washington. He described these discussions as efforts to "reconfigure" the bilateral trade relationship and anticipated that the allies would also address the defense and security relationship. Snyder emphasized that this reconfiguration would not necessarily involve unilateral demands from the U.S., as both countries contribute significantly to the defense security relationship.
Snyder also highlighted a shift in U.S. policy under the second Trump administration, moving from offering subsidies to imposing tariffs. He noted that this shift poses challenges for South Korean companies navigating the new economic landscape.
South Korea and the U.S. have been engaged in discussions over various trade and economic issues, including tariffs, investment cooperation, and currency policy, as South Korea seeks to mitigate the impact of new tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.