China Hates New Cold War: Boosting South Korea’s Security Interests

China’s Reluctance in the New Cold War Structure
Increasing Security Interests in South Korea

The 1st Security Strategy Forum, hosted by the Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS), is underway at EL Tower in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, on the 5th. Photo by Kang Do-rim

As China is reluctant to enter a new Cold War structure of “US-Japan-South Korea vs. North Korea-China-Russia,” experts have analyzed that South Korea’s security interests are increasing.

On the 5th, the Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS) held the 1st Security Strategy Forum at EL Tower in Yangjae-dong, Seoul. The first session evaluated this year’s diplomatic and security achievements and tasks for next year. The second session was on the national security threats of totalitarianism, such as the alliance and influence operation of China, Russia, and North Korea. Finally, the third session discussed the necessity of full-scale war posture by analyzing recent international conflict cases.

Insights into China’s Influence Operations

Professor Ju Jae Woo from the Graduate School of International Studies at Kyung Hee University provided insights into China’s influence operations. He observed that numerous Chinese individuals have assimilated into mainstream societies in Western countries, a situation China might exploit for influence operations. However, he highlighted that in South Korea, the impact of such operations through ethnic Chinese is limited. Consequently, China is reportedly adopting a strategy more in tune with South Korea’s distinct political landscape and societal norms.

Strengthening Alliance Among Totalitarian States

Professor Lee Ji Yong from Keimyung University’s College of Humanities and International Studies observed that an alliance among totalitarian states like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran is strengthening, with China currently at the forefront. He emphasized that South Korea is a primary target of China’s operations, highlighting the urgency for South Korea to fortify its defenses as evidence of these operations becomes increasingly apparent in society.

In cyberspace, it was analyzed that China, Russia, and North Korea are attacking each other. Professor Song Tae Eun of the National Diplomatic Academy said, “The hacker groups that attack Russia the most are from China,” and “In cyberspace, they are more engaged in espionage activities to collect information than in alliances.”

China’s Resistance to the New Cold War Structure

There’s also a viewpoint that China is resisting the so-called “new Cold War structure of South Korea-China-Russia vs. North Korea-China-Russia.” Professor Kim Han Kwon of the National Diplomatic Academy analyzed that such a Cold War framework would hinder China’s strategy to create divisions within the coalition of free countries led by the United States. He also noted China’s reluctance during the North Korea-Russia summit.

Jung Sung Yoon, head of the Unification Policy Research Office at the Unification Research Institute, commented that the new Cold War system might not be advantageous for China. It could prompt China to reconsider its policy towards North Korea. He anticipates that South Korea’s security interests will be strengthened through cooperation with the United States and Japan, creating a more advantageous position compared to the trio of North Korea, China, and Russia.

Researcher Min Tae Eun from the Unification Research Institute pointed out the global democratic concerns regarding the expansion of authoritarianism. He predicts that regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, the United States is unlikely to abandon its commitment to democracy. However, the intensity of its approach may vary depending on the election results.

By. Kang Do Rim