캠프데이비드 회의 이후: 3자협력 앞으로 어떻게 발전할까?
The leaders of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have agreed to make their trilateral cooperation regular and institutional during their Camp David Trilateral Summit last Friday.
But given that it was a political agreement, how far will it go and will it last?
We have our top office correspondent back in Seoul to break down some key questions.
Welcome back, Sooyoung!
1. First, let's begin with how significant this summit was --in setting forth a new era of trilateral relations between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.
Yes, it has to be said how united and determined the three countries are to confront threats and challenges together.
First by aligning their values and vision, not only vaguely for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific
--but with meticulous and unprecedented detail like supporting a free and united Korean Peninsula --something Japan and the U.S. weren't all too concerned about --and the mention of North Korea's abduction of foreign nationals --an important issue for Japan.
Second, the scope of cooperation between the three countries, beyond countering North Korea,.. is wide-ranging, practical, and also touches upon the ethical. Strengthening supply chain cooperation with early warning systems and collaborations between their leading scientists to setting Artificial Intelligence standards, and jointly assisting development projects in the Indo-Pacific region and Ukraine, the three are going to work with one another across all dimensions, in every way possible.
In fact, they're moving as one, as they engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Pacific Islands, security initiatives like AUKUS and the Quad, really becoming an independent entity as Seoul's top office said, in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Beijing has been extremely concerned and critical of this trilateral cooperation, and alarmed by the mention of its behavior in the South China Sea. What can you tell us about that?
Well for now, it's clear that the trilateral security cooperation is focused on deterring North Korea's threat, and still hinges on the two separate ROK-U.S., and U.S.-Japan alliances but that does leave room for more developments if needed.
The so-called Commitment to Consult is also not binding, but it's still remarkable that the three governments will immediately consult and jointly address emerging threats.
On that note, it's clear China is becoming a growing threat to all three countries for a number of reasons.
President Yoon said that the rule of law and freedom of the South China Sea is essential for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific--in line with Korea's liberal democratic values.
Also, disrupting the peace in regional waters not only affects security, but also sea lines which are essential for South Korea's export-dependent economy.
Not to mention, Beijing hasn't been helpful in suppressing North Korea's nuclear and missile program. Nor has its economic coercion done it any favors as far as the Korean or Japanese public is concerned --with over 70% seeing China as a threat.
Seoul has reasonably maintained it wishes to have mutually respectful ties with China, with the National Security Advisor saying on Sunday that talks are ongoing to resume a three-way summit with Tokyo and Beijing.
Thus, experts say the scope of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan's security framework may ironically depend largely on whether China chooses to dial down its aggressive behavior.
3. The most important aspect of the trilateral summit was "institutionalizing" cooperation. The question is though, is it sustainable?
Right, las to the question of continuity, that remains to be seen as it is not legally binding and relies on political will.
The longstanding disputes arising from Japan's colonization of South Korea in the early 20th century have been emotional trigger points that were often politicized, making the issues a matter of national dignity.
Thus, much of the focus has been on whether Seoul and Tokyo can keep the momentum going in improving their relations, especially with key parliamentary elections expected for both countries.
Experts also say U.S. politics also has been a growing risk factor.
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2023-08-21, 09:00 (KST)
