Tech Diplomacy: Aligning Objectives in the U.S.-South Korea Alliance

 

Amidst China's ambitious strides in science and technology, the Joe Biden administration has intensified efforts to fortify technological alliances with allies like South Korea. This endeavor aims to sculpt a regulated technology landscape. Collaborative endeavors between the Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol administrations aim to elevate the U.S.-South Korea alliance to a global comprehensive strategic alliance, prioritizing deepened cooperation on pivotal and emergent technologies.

Technology's Central Role

The evolving U.S.-China technology rivalry presents a distinctive set of challenges and opportunities for the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Strengthening policy coordination on technology assumes critical significance, especially in the realm of next-gen technologies that significantly influence both security and economic paradigms.

Navigating New Dimensions

As the alliance broadens its horizons from a conventional security focus to encompass technology and economic cooperation, reevaluating fundamental relationship aspects becomes imperative. A key challenge involves aligning on a shared objective within this expanded partnership.

Differing Perspectives

The absence of a unified objective is compounded by disparate perceptions of China's threat between the two allies. While the United States prioritizes maintaining technological leadership to counter China's influence, South Korea's stance leans towards a relationship of "mutual respect," given China's significance as its largest trading partner.

Necessity for Clarity and Alignment

The United States must provide clearer intentions regarding strategies like de-risking and decoupling and their objectives concerning China-related technology restrictions. Moreover, establishing a unified understanding and strategy to address China's technology threat is crucial for both countries.

Balancing Risks and Gains

Aligning with the United States in its technological competition with China poses significant economic risks for South Korea. While it could result in losses due to reliance on Chinese markets, alignment could also present opportunities in diversified markets and new technologies.

Charting a New Path

The evolving U.S.-South Korea alliance necessitates a different approach to cooperation in emerging technologies and supply chain resilience. Institutionalizing public-private partnerships and reconciling the private sector's competitive nature within both nations are critical challenges in this evolution.

Building Bridges

Incorporating private sector stakeholders into government dialogues and enhancing coordination with private entities is imperative. Additionally, defining the nature and extent of alliances like Chip 4 is vital for effective technological cooperation.