A window of opportunity in Australia-Korea relations?
Strong bilateral relationships are not built on “comprehensive strategic partnerships” but ultimately on people-to-people links
On 10 May 2022, Yoon Seok-yul will be sworn in as South Korea’s thirteenth president. There are already widespread expectations that the Yoon administration presents opportunities for the Australia.
In the background, there’s a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in place, which reflects both states’ concern regarding market diversification and supply chain security. In the foreground, the president-elect has emphasised that the Quad and Australia are a priority, and candidates favourable to Australia are lining up for prominent positions. But there are reasons to temper expectations. Behind the hype lies an uncertain trajectory for the incoming administration and an unprepared Australia.
Yoon Faces Challenges
Much about the incoming administration remains unpredictable. The words and steps clearly lead towards closer relations with the US and alignment with the Quad. What remains unclear is how to get there.
First, China looms as a challenge. Attempts to strengthen US-Korea relations…