China and South Korea: Taking Each Other’s Measure
By John Hemmings
23 Jun 2008
In the wake of the recent mass demonstrations which rocked Seoul over US beef imports, one might be tempted to believe that South Korea’s biggest worry is maintaining relations with its long-term ally. A closer look at the region reveals that Seoul’s major worries might be closer to home. Both China and South Korea were keen to stress the success of the recent summit between the respective leaders but crucial obstacles to co-operation remain. Territorial disputes, nationalistic fervour, disagreements over Tibet, insecurities arising from interdependency and the enduring Korea-US military alliance are just some of the factors that continue to frustrate the bilateral relationship.
23 Jun 2008
In the wake of the recent mass demonstrations which rocked Seoul over US beef imports, one might be tempted to believe that South Korea’s biggest worry is maintaining relations with its long-term ally. A closer look at the region reveals that Seoul’s major worries might be closer to home. Both China and South Korea were keen to stress the success of the recent summit between the respective leaders but crucial obstacles to co-operation remain. Territorial disputes, nationalistic fervour, disagreements over Tibet, insecurities arising from interdependency and the enduring Korea-US military alliance are just some of the factors that continue to frustrate the bilateral relationship.
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