Sino File | Why a rising Moon bodes well for South Korea’s relations with China
A liberal president in Seoul who has learnt to say no to America and seeks a new approach to North Korea will be music to Beijing’s ears, even if Moon Jae-in cannot reverse the deployment of US anti-missile system THAAD
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, China and South Korea have steadfastly developed the sort of harmonious and friendly relationship that is rarely seen in the region.
Yet such feelings of goodwill have faded following a recent row over Seoul’s decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system on its soil in reaction to North Korea’s progress in its nuclear efforts. Beijing saw the deployment as a threat to its national security and retaliated with a series of unofficial economic sanctions, including a boycott of Korean products, from cosmetics to television soap operas.
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However, the election of Moon Jae-in, a liberal, as South Korea’s president might be a chance for two major Asia partners to mend their ties. Moon taking office ended months of stalemate left unresolved by his conservative predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and ousted as president.
South Korea has long been caught between the US and China, its most important partners. The US has been South Korea’s main ally and China is its main trade partner. Today, South Korea trades more with China than with the US and Japan combined.
Park was more pro-US in his diplomacy, but had forged a good working relationship with her Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (習近平). Moon vowed to pursue a more independent foreign policy and to redefine Seoul’s relations with both powers, suggesting he was likely to take a more accommodating position towards China and keep distance from Washington.