Publication

This paper argues that China is making positive signals toward South Korea, indicating a period of geopolitical change in East Asia. It claims that China believes it can improve its relations with South Korea at the expense of Seoul's relations with Washington. At the same time, Seoul is keen to develop closer relations with Beijing in line with its growing regional power and as a hedge against changing US policy. The author suggests that Washington should take note of these developments and, in particular, South Korea's long-held concerns about their bilateral relationship.