Northeast Asian Perspectives on China’s Belt Road Initiative: the View from South Korea

Abstract

This article examines South Korea’s response to BRI, focusing on former President Park Geun-hye’s “Eurasia Initiative” as well as current President Moon Jae-In’s “New Southern Policy.” Given Beijing’s preoccupation with political and social stability both domestically as well as in neighboring countries, it argues that there is little doubt that for Beijing economic goals are subordinate components of broader national goals, which in turn formulate the basis for geopolitical calculations. BRI represents an attempt by Beijing’s leadership to shape the rules and norms governing the surrounding regions to better reflect their own preferences. Following Xi Jinping’s launch of BRI, Seoul announced the Eurasia Initiative (EAI) as its own vision for an East-West connection. In calling for a revival of the ancient Silk Road, President Park’s main goal was to foster a flow of economic, political, and social interaction from Europe though the Korean Peninsula. Her policy was driven primarily by political and security motives concerning the division of the Peninsula. Park’s successor, President Moon announced his own foreign policy initiative, the New Southern Policy (NSP), which seeks to strengthen relations with Southeast Asia while continuing to manage relations with Northeast Asia. While NSP at first sight might suggest a new policy direction, the article argues that both EAI and NSP ultimately have sought to change dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and work toward peace with the North. Both policies reflect the Korean fear of vulnerability to great power competition, seeking to foster relations with smaller powers so as to increase Seoul’s foreign policy leverage as a middle power.