Korea Between the US and China: An Introduction of Lessons from History

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to deduce lessons from Korean history to devise Korean foreign policy toward the two great powers, the U.S. and China. Despite the end of the Cold War, the legacy of the Cold War structure on the Korean Peninsula has not been eradicated for about a quarter-century. This is due to geopolitical characteristics of the Peninsula as well as the two Koreas being divided. In addition, the power competition between the U.S. and China narrows down the Korean position amidst them. However, Korea has to handle the difficult situation and achieve reunification.<BR> Fortunately, Korea has experience in initiating fluent historical decisions while in the presence of rivaling powers. It is possible to derive historical lessons from these past responses and analyze their effects on the competition of big powers. Therefore, I have drafted “The equation of the Korean Peninsula”: K{H+C)+α}→D .<BR> This equation can be applied to the current situation in the Korean Peninsula; how Korea can respond to the competing and collaborating relations of the U.S. and China. Korea’s wise behavior between the two global powers will fulfill Korea’s desire for unification and prosperity.