ROK-U.S. Relations

The Republic of Korea and the United States both value liberal democracy, human rights and the market economy. Adhering to the principles of mutual benefit and equality, they have developed a mature partnership in all fields, which in turn has led to a firm foundation for future diplomatic and security cooperation. A crucial diplomatic task facing Korea and the United States is the cooperation to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and to bring about the conditions for peaceful unification. Korea will continue to assume the lead in the quest for peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula, including the direction of the South-North dialogue, while the United States and other concerned countries remain strongly supportive.

President Roh Moo-hyun talks with U.S. President George W. Bush at a hotel in Gyeongju during a summit on November 17, 2005.

Over the past five decades, the Republic of Korea and the United States have built and maintained a closely integrated alliance system to effectively ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia as a whole. The Republic of Korea and the U.S. have developed and modified numerous political, legal, institutional, and operational arrangements so that the security establishments of both countries could be effectively used in deterring renewed external aggression and in defending the Republic of Korea should deterrence fail. The Republic of Korea and the United States have maintained their bilateral alliance mainly to meet the North Korean challenges. In the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, both countries declared their determination "to defend themselves against external armed attack so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific area." They also expressed their desire "to strengthen their efforts for collective defense for the preservation of peace and security pending the development of a more comprehensive and effective system of regional security in the Pacific area."

The alliance is now looking beyond the Korean Peninsula and is contributing to facilitating peace and prosperity in East Asia. In other words, given the increasing importance of non-conventional security issues, it is desirable for both countries to envision a comprehensive regional security alliance based on the common values of democracy and a market economy. Further, the ROK-U.S. security alliance should be expanded geographically and functionally to better respond to a new strategic environment. From political-military alliance to a comprehensive security alliance-that is the direction to take in the future.

To expand the scope of security cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. and prepare for military operations other than war (MOOTW), it is necessary to have a light and mobile force structure. The reduction in quantity will be offset by qualitative improvements through acquiring sophisticated weapons and utilizing modern technologies known as the "Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA)." A specific emphasis on air and naval components will enhance power projection and offensive strike capability. Weapons to be procured will extend the range of military operations and improve mobility and precision. Consequently, the force structure should be switched from an occupation-oriented mode to a distant precision strike and rapid reaction mode.

Taking into consideration NATO and the U.S.-Japanese alliance, the ROK-U.S. alliance should be gradually transformed into a more equal mechanism. The Republic of Korea and U.S. forces should be linked together through a close consultative mechanism. Additionally, the harmonious coordination of strategic planning, joint exercise, and information and intelligence sharing must be further enhanced. In addition, more attention should be given to handle Korean public sentiments. While trying to wisely resolve the sources of anti-American sentiments, both governments should effectively cultivate a rationale as to why the bilateral alliance needs to be maintained into the 21st century.

It seems to be clear why the ROK-U.S. security alliance must continue to exist and function and how the Republic of Korea and the United States should cooperate to serve their respective security alliances and interests in the new security environment. It remains for the two countries to implement the guidelines in a way that minimizes confusion and misunderstanding on and around the Korean Peninsula.

The Republic of Korea and the United States are close partners not only in politics and military but economic areas such as trade, technology, and investment. As the most important source of foreign capital and advanced technology, the United States has contributed substantially toward the Republic's economic growth during the period between 1962 and 1979, when the Korean economy developed rapidly. The close economic relationship between the two countries was reconfirmed during Korea's financial crisis at the end of 1997 as the United States played a decisive role in organizing emergency loans to Korea. Two-way trade volume between the Republic of Korea and the United States reached US$71.6 billion in 2004, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. America remains Korea's largest trading partner and export market, purchasing more than 20 percent of Korean exports.

Given the magnitude of Korea-U.S. trade relations and the growing interdependence of the two countries, disputes are bound to arise. However, both countries have resolved all the trade problems amicably through dialogue. A variety of channels have been established to deal with pressing issues at both the policy-making and working levels. The Trade Subgroup has played an important role in this regard and an "early-warning" function of existing channels, such as the Trade Action Group, has been strengthened to prevent trade disputes between the two countries. Seoul and Washington have also continued their future-oriented dialogue through the Presidential Economic Initiative (PEI), Dialogue for Economic Subcabinet Consultations, to build a stronger and closer economic partnership.

The Republic of Korea not only maintains cooperative political, military, and economic links with the United States, but also pursues active exchanges in the cultural, social and sports fields as well. The sheer breadth of the links between the Republic of Korea and the United States promotes an exceptionally active exchange between the two peoples. Over a million Korean-Americans now reside in the United States and have earned an exemplary reputation. They provide a strong impetus to friendly ties between the two countries.



ROK-Japan Relations

The Republic of Korea and Japan are neighboring countries, separated by the Korea Strait. The two nations have had close cultural ties and have enjoyed active exchanges since ancient times. In the previous century, however, the two nations passed an unhappy part of history as Korea became a colony of Japan (1910-1945). In 1965, diplomatic relations were reestablished. The two nations were able to again take advantage of their geographic proximity and cultural similarities, and have since actively pursued the development of friendly and cooperative relations. Many programs promoting bilateral travel and exchanges of national products have served to further enhance understanding and cooperation between the Japanese and Korean peoples. Some 3 million Japanese and Koreans travel between the two countries each year, and two-way trade now totals more than US$53 billion annually. These figures clearly reveal the two countries' deeply woven interdependence.

President Roh Moo-hyun, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi before their bilateral meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Busan, on November 18, 2005.

In line with such growing ties, the leaders of the Republic of Korea and Japan have met frequently. Japanese Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro's visit to Seoul in January 1983 and Korean President Chun Doo-hwan's visit to Japan in September 1984, marked the beginning of almost yearly summit meetings between the two nations - a trend continued by Presidents Roh Tae-woo, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung.

The series of bilateral talks have greatly contributed to creating an overall friendly atmosphere between the two countries. But, even with this heartening development, there still exists a historical black cloud which threatens to overshadow the relationship between the two countries, with potentially disruptive results. Occasional setbacks in the cooperative ties between the two countries, sparked by unsavory remarks made by several Japanese right-wing politicians on issues relating to Japanese colonial rule and history textbooks, as well as by the Japanese government's territorial claim on the island of Dokdo, provide lucid evidence of this volatility.

In this context, the two countries' successful co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan held symbolic importance in that they exerted utmost efforts not only to heal past wounds, but to pave the way for a brighter future as mutually supportive partners. Among other things, Korea and Japan agreed to greatly expand youth exchange programs as a way to deepen mutual understanding, and also, to promote joint study on the history of Korea-Japan relations, in order to bridge the gap between the two sides in relation to each nation's perception of history.

In the meantime, cooperation with Japan has not been limited solely to bilateral issues but extends to a common concern for the stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia, and other global issues as well. The foreign ministers of the two countries hold regularly scheduled annual consultations and generally meet four or five times every year on an ad hoc basis. Furthermore, there are numerous channels through which the two countries confer with each other on every possible topic-current affairs as well as historical issues that from time to time threaten to upset the bilateral relationship.

Japan is Korea's second largest trading partner and the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Korea and Japan is being seriously discussed. The two nations also have worked to promote cooperation in investment, technology and other economic fields. In the 21st century, there will be even more active exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan. The two nations will not only work together to promote the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, but also to address global issues.

In the meantime, they are cooperating closely to bolster peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Although the Asia-Pacific region has not recovered completely from the Asian financial crisis, there is every indication that the 21st century will again be a time of vitality for the Asia-Pacific region. In this new age, Korea and Japan, sharing not only such fundamentals as democracy and market economy, but also having a vested interest in the security affairs of the region, will continue to cooperate in order to enhance their mutually beneficial partnership as fully pledged partners through the 21st century.



ROK-EU Relations

The Republic of Korea's traditionally close ties with Western European countries, especially the nations of the European Union (EU), are based on the shared ideals of liberal democracy, free trade and market economy. The ties between Korea and Western European countries have a long history. Britain, France and many other Western European countries took part in the Korean War under the flag of the United Nations, and each had a helping hand in the recovery of Korea after the war. During the Cold War era, Korea and the Western European countries worked in concert to reduce tensions between East and West, actively participating in the Western alliance led by the United States. Relations with Europe during the Cold War had been more focused on developing economic and trade cooperation.

Today, after four waves of accessions (1973: Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom; 1981: Greece; 1986: Spain and Portugal; 1995: Austria, Finland, and Sweden) the European Union has 15 Member States and has approved the accession of 13 eastern and southern European countries.

In recent years, the cooperation between Korea and European countries has been further broadening and deepening in all fields, encompassing not only trade, economic and technological relations, but also many exchanges of a political and cultural nature. In October 1996, Korea and the European Union signed the Framework Agreement on Trade and Cooperation. This was accompanied by the signing of the Joint Declaration on Political Dialogue which stipulates the institutionalization of political cooperation and dialogue channels between Korea and the European Union.

The European Union has committed to render political and financial support for the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) which was established in 1994 to provide two lightwater reactors for North Korea in exchange for its abandoning nuclear development programs. It was a collaborative effort to sustain the nuclear non-proliferation regime in Northeast Asia. The European countries also have been active in providing humanitarian assistance to North Korea.

The European Union forms Korea's third largest trading partner. The two-way trade between Korea and the European Union in 2001 amounted to US$34.5 billion, occupying 11.8 percent of Korea's total trading with foreign countries. Korea's trade surplus has been on the rise since 1999, reaching US$4.7 billion in 2001. As economic relations in trade and investment are expanding, the European Union's call for opening of Korean market is being strengthened. Korean government is cultivating various consultative channels through which economic disputes with European Union would be prevented or resolved at an earlier stage.



ROK-China Relations

Hostility between North and South Korea also determined throughout the Cold War that South Korea should have no diplomatic relations with either China or the Soviet Union. North Korea played on the rivalry of these countries to keep both lined up behind its denial of South Korea's political legitimacy. As South Korea's economy grew stronger, however, both China and the Soviet Union saw the advantage of economic links with South Korea and became increasingly unwilling to let ideological solidarity with North Korea stand in the way. Diplomatic relations were established with the Soviet Union in 1990 and with China in 1992, opening the way for a rapid increase in trade and investment flows. Both China and the Soviet Union also withdrew their long-standing veto on South Korea joining the UN, thus enabling both Korean states to become full members in 1991.

President Roh Moo-hyun, right, shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao, prior to a summit meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, on November 16, 2005.

Since diplomatic normalization with China in 1992, the Republic of Korea and China have expanded and deepened their trade and economic ties. In 2000, two-way trade between the Republic of Korea and China amounted to US$31.3 billion, with Korea exporting US$18.5 billion and importing US$12.8 billion. China is the third largest trading partner of Korea and mutual relations in investment also will be continuously enhanced as economic reforms in both countries continue.

On the basis of the increasingly close economic ties, the two countries also have achieved impressive progress in other aspects of the bilateral relations, including political, diplomatic, cultural, and academic exchanges. This ever-deepening bilateral relationship provides a solid base for cooperation in promoting peace in Northeast Asia and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Both the Republic of Korea and China share the view that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is essential for the realization of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

China is opposed to North Korea's nuclear program because nuclear weapons in the hands of the North Korean regime will certainly ignite nuclear proliferation in the Northeast Asian region, particularly Japan, which will lead to the breakdown of the non-proliferation regime. Building an abiding friendship with China is imperative for the Republic of Korea to facilitate peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, and eventually, to establish a security atmosphere favorable to unification.



ROK-Russia Relations

Diplomatic normalization between the Republic of Korea and the Soviet Union in 1990 was an outcome of Seoul's "Northern Diplomacy" and Moscow's "new thinking" foreign policy. For South Korea, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union served as a catalyst in the attempt to reinforce its foreign policy. Concerning the mutual complement of the national interests of respective countries, namely the security interest of the Republic of Korea versus the economic interest of the Soviet Union, bilateral relations between the two countries attracted great anticipation.

The election of Vladimir Putin as the president of Russia and the inter-Korean summit meeting in June 2000 made new environment for developing South Korea-Russia relations. Russia and the two Koreas respectively held summit talks in recent years and these exchanges led to intensive cooperation between Seoul and Moscow. Political dialogue and mutual visits at various levels, including those between the two Foreign Ministries, government agencies, judicial and legislative bodies, are also actively being pushed. At present, Korea and Russia have similar views on many regional and international issues, and this helps each nation to define its position and to defend it on the international level.

Russia attaches great importance to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and its democratic and peaceful reunification. In this regard, Russia supports all South Korean initiatives, including the reconciliatory engagement policy toward the North, that will lead to furthering the South-North dialogues. Russia also shows keen interest in participating in the process of facilitating a peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. The Republic of Korea, noting Russia's concern and interests, continues to try to enhance bilateral cooperation in order to ensure Russia's support and constructive role in facilitating the consolidation of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

On the economic front the two nations have agreed to push for economic projects, including a railroad connection via North Korea, as well as South Korea-Russia bilateral programs in the fields of natural resources, fisheries, transportation, information and communications and technology. The total volume of trade between the two countries has increased significantly from US$900 million in 1990 to US$3.8 billion in 1996. Since the financial crises the total has fallen, but in the year of 2000 bilateral trade has recovered to the total volume of US$2.8 billion. Direct investment by Korean firms in Russia is the area that has received the most attention and anticipation from both countries.