The Biden Administration Counters China with a New Alliance Between Japan and South Korea

 

South Korea and Japan have had a mutual antipathy that goes back decades, linked to Japan’s brutal colonial rule of Korea (Storey, 2021) from 1910-1945 as well as long-simmering territorial disputes in the East China Sea (2021). That has fueled such acrimony in South Korea that until relatively recently public opinion polls in the country have rated Japanese leaders only slightly more popular than North Korea’s (2013).

Japan and South Korea committed to allying against China using a language of cooperation that would have been impossible just two years ago. The two countries have aligned their foreign policies and agreed to a significant expansion of bilateral security cooperation to offset China’s perceived regional threat. The two countries have also committed to defense spending increases aimed at addressing Beijing’s dramatic expansion of its military forces.

The Biden Administration's foreign policy has taken a significant turn by fostering a robust trilateral alliance between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. This strategic maneuver aims to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The alliance is not only a geopolitical response but also a reinforcement of mutual security, economic cooperation, and shared democratic values.

One of the primary motives behind the alliance is to enhance regional security in the face of China's expanding military presence. The Indo-Pacific region has seen increasing tensions, particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, where China's assertive maritime claims and military activities pose challenges to international norms and regional stability. By solidifying ties with Japan and South Korea, the United States is bolstering a security framework capable of deterring Chinese aggression.

The Biden Administration has actively pursued this trilateral relationship through high-level diplomatic engagements. For instance, in August 2021, the leaders of the three nations convened to discuss mutual concerns, including North Korea's nuclear program and China's military activities. This meeting underscored a united front, signaling to Beijing that any attempts to destabilize the region would be met with a coordinated response. (2023).

Beyond military considerations, the alliance also focuses on economic collaboration and technological advancements. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly expanded its economic reach, influencing many countries through infrastructure investments and debt diplomacy. To counter this, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea are exploring ways to enhance economic ties and provide alternative development options for countries in the region.

In May 2021, during the U.S.-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Summit, the leaders discussed measures to strengthen supply chains, particularly for semiconductors and other critical technologies. This is crucial as the global economy increasingly depends on advanced technologies where China seeks dominance. By pooling their technological expertise and resources, the three countries aim to secure supply chains and maintain a competitive edge in innovation.

A significant aspect of this alliance is the promotion and protection of democratic values and human rights, which are increasingly under threat from authoritarian regimes. The Biden Administration has emphasized that the partnership among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea is also about defending the liberal international order against autocratic encroachments.

This commitment was evident when the three nations condemned China’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang and its crackdown on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong . By taking a unified stance, the alliance not only pressures China to adhere to international norms but also reassures other democracies in the region of their support.

While the alliance holds great promise, it also faces significant challenges. Historical grievances between Japan and South Korea, particularly over wartime issues, have often strained their bilateral relations. The Biden Administration has played a crucial mediating role in encouraging reconciliation and fostering dialogue to overcome these obstacles.

Looking ahead, the alliance’s success will depend on sustained diplomatic efforts and a shared commitment to address both regional and global challenges. The evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the need for economic resilience, and the defense of democratic values will continue to shape trilateral cooperation.

The Biden Administration's initiative to form a new alliance between Japan and South Korea is a strategic response to counter China's growing influence. By reinforcing regional security, enhancing economic cooperation, and upholding democratic values, this trilateral alliance represents a significant realignment in U.S. foreign policy. Biden’s diplomacy has — for now at least — created a narrative for regional support for his “rules-based international order” that has persuaded two key allies that border China to transition from reflexive hostility to (fragile) harmony. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, this partnership will play a critical role in maintaining stability and promoting a rules-based international order.

References:

Storey, Henry. (2021). History haunts Japan–South Korea ties. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/history-haunts-japan-south-korea-ties

'Differences' between Japan and South Korea derail US press conference. (2021). Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211118-differences-between-japan-and-south-korea-derail-us-press-conference

Trilateral Leaders' Summit of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. (2023) Retrieved from https://jp.usembassy.gov/trilateral-leaders-summit-us-japan-south-korea/#:~:text=President%20Biden%20welcomed%20Japanese%20Prime,David%20during%20the%20Biden%2DHarris

Nolan, Markus. (2013). How south Koreans see their world and their place in it. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.piie.com/blogs/north-korea-witness-transformation/how-south-koreans-see-world-and-their-place-it

30 Things Joe Biden Did as President You Might Have Missed. (2024). Retrieved June 3, 2024, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/02/joe-biden-30-policy-things-you-might-have-missed-00139046