Taking a Leading Role in Expanding Alliances Among Countries Caught Between the US and China

Proposal of a Korean-Style Trade Paradigm Concept
Time to Actively Consider Joining CPTPP

Kang In-su, President of the International Trade Association and Professor of Economics at Sookmyung Women's University, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 23rd. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Kang Insu, President of the International Trade Association (Professor of Economics at Sookmyung Women's University), emphasized that as protectionism is spreading worldwide, South Korea must actively expand alliances for survival.

In an interview with Asia Economy on December 23 last year, Professor Kang said, "South Korea must play a leading role among countries in similar situations that have no choice but to watch both the United States and China closely."

He proposed the concept of a "Korean-style trade paradigm," actively cooperating with countries in similar positions caught between the US and China like South Korea. This goes beyond slogans such as the Roh Moo-hyun administration's "Northeast Asia Balancer Theory" and the Park Geun-hye administration's "Korea Initiative," aiming to achieve tangible results among the US, China, and Japan.

He added that active cooperation with former Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada is necessary. Like South Korea, these countries are also caught between the two major powers, the US and China, and have no choice but to be cautious. The cases of France and the United Kingdom are also worth referencing.

France, under President Emmanuel Macron, has confronted US President Donald Trump and strengthened relations with China alongside other European Union (EU) countries. The UK, on the other hand, has pursued its interests by pushing through a no-deal Brexit. Professor Kang believes South Korea should do the same.

Professor Kang said, "Recently, the concept of an 'alliance of like-minded countries' has emerged in international trade," adding, "South Korea must form solidarity with countries in similar positions like the former Commonwealth nations and know how to exercise leadership between the US and China."

Professor Kang proposed "Korenter" (Korea enter) as the path South Korean trade should take. The term was first coined by Professor Yoo Janghee, Professor Emeritus at Ewha Womans University, and refers to an outward-oriented economic development strategy that maintains free trade and enters any market. Simply put, it means "to be involved in many places."

In this context, Professor Kang also said South Korea should actively consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is expected to have effects similar to the Korea-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The CPTPP is a consortium of 11 countries including Japan and Australia as of late 2018. South Korea did not participate last year due to variables such as Japan's export restrictions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.