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(Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy)
The Indo-Pacific region is also one of the main focal areas of Korea’s diplomacy.
After all, the region is home to more than half of the world’s population and GDP, and just short of half of worldwide trade. It is also home to vital maritime routes.
Ensconced between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is the South China Sea.
Because the South China Sea is a critical sea lane of communication,
peace, stability and safety there have a direct bearing on the interests of all nations that use those waterways.
No doubt, peace, stability and safety in the Indo-Pacific region are essential to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
This is the reason why, in 2022, the Korean government released its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Korea’s first comprehensive regional strategy, followed by a concrete Action Plan announced in December last year.
To move implementation into full gear, I’ve appointed a Special Representative for the Indo-Pacific earlier this year. We look forward to deepening strategic dialogues with Indo-Pacific nations on regional dynamics and policy approaches.
Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy is firmly based on the robust Korea-US alliance and trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan and the United States.
As is the case for many other countries in the region, ASEAN centrality is a key element of the strategy. Partnerships with likeminded countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India are also essential in pursuing the strategy.
From a somewhat different perspective, China is also a key partner for regional peace and prosperity, as clearly stated in the strategy.
Based on mutual respect and reciprocity, we will continue to seek a mature and sound relationship with China.
It is in this context that we are now working hard on the Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit meeting to be held here in Seoul in the near future for the first time in 4 years.
I also look forward to meeting my Chinese counterpart sooner rather than later.
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Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Republic of Korea
Speaker: H.E. Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Format: Speech
China Policy Research 