Stronger ties with South Korea

Like Australia, Japan, India, the Philippines and other Indo-Pacific nations, South Korea has a strong geostrategic interest in helping counter China’s aggression and military build-up across the region. It makes sense that South Korea should strengthen its ties with other regional democracies, including Australia. That is why it is welcome news that Australian officials are working on plans for an official visit by South Korean President Moon Jae-in by the end of the year. A visit by Mr Moon next month would mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and South Korea.

Scott Morrison and Mr Moon have struck up a strong friendship. They met recently at the G20 summit in Rome, after an earlier meeting at the G7 in Cornwall. In September, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton met their South Korean counterparts. They affirmed their strong relationship and “shared values of freedom, democracy, universal human rights and rule of law”, as Ben Packham reports.

The prospect of the visit arises as Chinese President Xi Jinping attacked Australia’s plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US and Britain. In a speech delivered by video link on Monday, Mr Xi complained about AUKUS, claiming it was time to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation, build partnerships instead of alliances, and address the various negative factors that might threaten or undermine peace. Mr Xi’s words had a hollow ring. His government has refused to deal with Australia at ministerial level for months. And he spoke as new details emerged in the US of a hypersonic missile test China carried out in July. The test involved a sophisticated manoeuvre in which a projectile was fired from the system during flight. US officials are concerned the test is a sign that the Chinese are outpacing the US in developing advanced weapons technology.

A visit to Australia by Mr Moon would see the signing of a new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. It also would boost the bilateral economic relationship. South Korea is already Australia’s fourth-largest trading partner and a major importer of Australian iron ore, coal, natural gas and beef. It is also a significant source of international students in Australian institutions. Like Australia, South Korea is familiar with Chinese coercion. After South Korea’s decision to deploy US-made THAAD missiles to protect its bases from North Korean attack, it was hit by $10bn in Chinese trade boycotts. China targeted tourism, consumer and luxury goods, cars, and even pop music.

As Australia’s former ambassador to South Korea, Bill Paterson, told The Australian, China would not be pleased at a South Korean visit to Australia, a Quad and AUKUS member. But South Korea is trying to signal it shares regional interests with Australia and the US. A visit by Mr Moon would send a message to China that its efforts to isolate Australia from key regional partners have failed. A visit also would focus attention on Korean defence company Hanwha’s bid for a $20bn contract to build new infantry fighting vehicles for the Australian Army. Hanwha is the underdog to clinch the infantry contract behind German company Rheinmetall. But Hanwha was confirmed last year as the preferred contractor to build 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 ammunition resupply vehicles in Geelong under a $1.3bn deal. With or without defence contracts, which must always be awarded on merit to suit Australia’s needs, the two nations have good reasons to strengthen strategic ties.