The Chinese neighbourhoodThe relational dynamic between South Korea and China is the epitome of the contradictions that exist in global international relations, wher

The relational dynamic between South Korea and China is the epitome of the contradictions that exist in global international relations, where old enemies make new acquaintances.

These two nations are driven by two key factors in their foreign policy calculations. One is the geographical buffer in the form of North Korea, which has recently

, allowing the United States to provide its nuclear security umbrella to South Korea, leading to a widening trust deficit between ROK and PRC.

Second, on the economic front, China and South Korea successfully negotiated a

 in 2015. Further, in 2019, South Korea became a signatory to the China-influenced

 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

 that can decrease regional trade tariffs by 90% in the next ten years. Hence, security concerns repel Beijing and Seoul, while economic cooperation pushes them towards cooperation.

 in 2010, two unidentified Chinese officials expressed openness to the idea of Korean peninsula unification under the legitimate government of South Korea, as long as it did not threaten China's national security, since North Korea continues to act like a “spoiled child to get Washington’s attention.”

 High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) from the US, aimed at deterring North Korea. For China, this reinforced the existing trust deficit as THAAD’s radar system can penetrate deep into Chinese territory. It also undermines China's nuclear deterrence in the region.

The current administration of Yoon Suk-Yeol can be termed as the second wave of probable rapprochement as both sides consent to uphold

For Beijing, the respect implies that Seoul takes cognizance of China's security concern in its national defence given the probable triggering of a

 if the conventional deployment escalates in the region, something that the South Korean administration is

However, the pattern of contention and rapprochement is there to stay in the relational dynamics of these two nations as long as the economic benefits of cooperation outweigh the cost of perpetuating the security dilemma in the region.

China-South Korea Relations

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