Post-COVID-19 and importance of ASEAN

ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Lee Hyuk poses at the entrance of the center in downtown Seoul. / Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre

This is the first in a series of contributions on prospects of ASEAN-Korea relations in 2021. ― ED.

By Lee Hyuk

Since the world bore the brunt of COVID-19, we have seen the catastrophic whirlwind of a crumbling economy and despair. Every day we hear about lost lives and livelihoods. It is also hard to overlook the unnerving developments in international politics as a byproduct of the pandemic. The coronavirus has added fuel to the U.S.-China rivalry pushing the two countries further into a "New Cold War."

Rapidly changing global dynamics seem to render more challenges than opportunities for Korea as is seen in the recent developments of the country's relations with the U.S., China and especially Japan. The unfavorable circumstances have also complicated Korea's efforts to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Against this backdrop, the importance of ASEAN-Korea relations in Korea's foreign policy cannot be more stressed. Many will agree that President Moon Jae-in's crowning foreign policy achievement is the New Southern Policy (NSP) which significantly elevated Korea's relations with ASEAN. The NSP represents a milestone in the expansion of Korea's diplomatic horizons and will bolster Korea's ability to navigate the rough waters of foreign policy challenges.

ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary-General Lee Hyuk says he will help prioritize ASEAN in Korea's foreign policy in the future. / Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre

In this regard, I feel it is my duty, as secretary general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, to bring attention to the importance of ASEAN for Korea's national interest and the need for this region to remain a priority for Korea's foreign policy in future administrations.

First, ASEAN is Korea's second-largest ($153 billion) trading partner after China, and third-largest investment destination. This robust economic partnership has been the centerpiece of the flourishing relationship and is expected to expand further as Korea continues to diversify its overseas markets and reduce its economic dependence on China.

However, we should bear in mind that there exists fierce competition among nations over the ASEAN market. Hence, efforts are needed to make the partnership more sustainable, mutually beneficial and thereby more competitive through job creation, knowledge-sharing and technology transfers.

Secondly, we need to pay more attention to ASEAN's growing strategic importance. Because of its geopolitical location, ASEAN will remain the hot spot of strategic rivalry among the great powers, including the U.S., China and Japan.

While Korea is not a big country, we can nevertheless play a meaningful role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region. In fact, Korea's strategic value lies in the very fact that we are not a hegemonic power. To bolster this strategic partnership, Korea and ASEAN will need to forge a more robust and healthier relationship that expands cooperation into non-economic areas. Failure to strengthen strategic cooperation and present ideas and visions on matters of common concern will not only lead to a relationship devoid of mutual trust but can also dwarf Korea's diplomatic influence in the region.

Finally, Korea is in the best position to pursue much closer relations with ASEAN. The cultural and historical similarities shared by the peoples of Korea and ASEAN have not only led to the success of the Korean wave in the region but also to the rapid increase in people-to-people exchanges. ASEAN has become Korea's most popular travel destination and the frequent interaction has allowed many Koreans to learn more about ASEAN.

Here I want to stress that one of the most valuable assets of a nation is its image. Korea's soft power of culture, spearheaded by the Korean wave, has helped shape a positive image of Korea in ASEAN and the world. As Koreans come to be regarded as people of decency, humility and compassion, the "Korea Brand" can become unrivaled in ASEAN countries.

With the development and rollout of vaccines we are beginning to see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. As countries prepare for the post-pandemic era, it appears that competition among those with big stakes in ASEAN has already begun.

Indeed, ASEAN is where the future landscape of East Asia will be drawn because of its strategic importance. Korea should be a meaningful part of the efforts to make the land and sea of this region both prosperous and peaceful. And to achieve this goal, it is imperative to maintain a lasting and sustainable partnership with ASEAN based on a holistic and farsighted approach which combines the efforts of government, business and people.

Lee Hyuk is the secretary general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre.

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