South Korea’s Strategic Thinking toward China: From Park Chung Hee to Roh Moo Hyun

Fourteen years have passed since the diplomatic normalization between Seoul and Beijing. The term “comprehensive cooperative partnership” forged between South Korea and China clearly understates what is going on between the two countries. Yet, the relationship is becoming more “normal” than special and a wide range of sources of discord have either already surfaced or have been waiting their turn. In this CNAPS Presentation, Professor Chung provided a critical review of the last thirty years of Seoul’s “strategic” thinking and dealing with Beijing, spanning the six administrations from Park Chung Hee to Roh Moo Hyun. His presentation offered a timely reflection on the bilateral relationship that is becoming increasingly important for the dynamics in Northeast Asia.

Dr. Jae Ho Chung is Professor and Chair of International Relations at Seoul National University, Korea. Professor Chung is the author or editor of ten books, most recently Between Ally and Partner: Korea-China Relations and the United States (Columbia University Press 2006) and Charting China’s Future: Political, Social and International Dimensions (Rowman & Littlefield 2006). Dr. Chung was the CNAPS Visiting Fellow from Korea in 2002-2003. He is currently conducting research on China’s soft power.