1. Introduction 2. A SHIFT TOWARD COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP 3. KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ROK-ASEAN CSP 4. IMPLICATIONS FOR KOREA’S FOREIGN POLICY 5. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Introduction
The year 2024 represents a key juncture in South Korea’s relationship with ASEAN. This year marks the second year of implementing the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) while simultaneously commemorating a significant milestone: the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Korea’s elevation of its relationship with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) marks a significant strategic pivot, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties. As the sixth country to establish such a partnership with the bloc, South Korea follows major regional players like Australia, China, the United States, India, and Japan, reflecting the growing strategic importance of Southeast Asia in the Indo-Pacific. The decision to upgrade the partnership to the CSP was proposed by President Yoon Suk-yeol at the 23rd ROK-ASEAN Summit in 2022 and subsequently endorsed by all ASEAN leaders at the 24th Summit in September 2023. This move underscores the deepening strategic partnership between South Korea and ASEAN, building upon decades of close cooperation that commenced with the establishment of sectoral dialogue relations in 1989. The past three decades have witnessed a significant expansion of economic and cultural ties between South Korea and ASEAN, characterized by robust growth in trade and investment, as well as a notable increase in people-to-people exchanges. For instance, South Korea’s total trade volume with ASEAN has surged from a modest $10.3 billion in 1990 to a substantial $208 billion in 2022. Similarly, South Korean foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN has witnessed a remarkable increase, rising from a relatively modest $260 million in 1990 to a significant $10.8 billion in 2022. ASEAN has emerged as the second-largest destination for South Korean overseas investment, underscoring the growing economic significance of the region to Seoul. Against this backdrop, this analysis explores the strategic implications of the CSP for South Korea’s foreign policy and provides policy recommendations for shaping the future trajectory of the Korea-ASEAN strategic partnership.
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