US "Cooperating with Korea to Contain China... Considering the Quad Card"

Proposal for 'Quad Plus' Involving Korea and France
Calls for Strengthened Korea-US-Japan Cooperation to Counter China

[Asia Economy Reporter Haeyoung Kwon] A report from the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee of the Democratic Party has stated that for the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy to successfully deter China's economic security threats, it is necessary to strengthen trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and to include South Korea in the Quad (the four-party consultative group consisting of the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India). The report also called for consideration of the '2+2+2 talks,' a ministerial-level meeting involving foreign and industry ministers from the three countries, to enhance South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a member of the Democratic Party, released the report titled "Essential Recommendations for Indo-Pacific Strategy Resource Procurement" on the 9th (local time).

The Democratic Party's report suggested a 'Quad Plus' agreement, stating, "For certain issues, the Quad may have matured enough to invite countries like South Korea or France." This means expanding the scope of the Quad, which currently includes the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.

Furthermore, the report urged deepening cooperation with allies and partners and recommended exploring ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. It specifically noted, "The potential to expand South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation beyond the threat from North Korea to the entire Indo-Pacific region is significant." It also recommended expanding the Economic Policy Consultative Committee (EPCC), which currently involves U.S. and Japanese foreign and industry ministers (2+2), into a 2+2+2 format including South Korea.

The report also proposed that South Korea's role is necessary to counter China's deterrence. It stated, "To deter China's coercive actions against Taiwan and other regional partners, cooperation with the Quad and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is essential," and recommended strengthening cooperative activities with South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, India, and others.

Additionally, regarding sensitive policies such as the U.S. government's supply chain strengthening and export controls, the report advised enhancing consultations with allies. It emphasized the need to thoroughly explain policy progress before causing unease among allied countries. The report also called for concrete outcomes from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), part of the anti-China front. It urged concluding substantive trade agreements with Taiwan while not excluding the possibility of Taiwan's participation in the IPEF.

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