► Some observers argue that the Republic of Korea must commit to being involved in a Taiwan crisis because a refusal to do so suggests that it is privileging its relationship with China over a commitment to the defense of democracy. ► This could carry significant reputational costs. Even so, many analysts see the chances of ROK forces becoming drawn into a Taiwan crisis as slim, in large part because S...

► Contrary to the narrative that a militaristic China is out for war, the Chinese government hopes for greater interaction and negotiation with the US, this however has proven difficult. ► The Chinese government believes the US is not simply seeking to improve their relationship with Taiwan but rather to counter China’s increasing power with the main subject becoming actively opposing China and not...

► It is important not to allow alarmist perceptions of US-China rivalry to overshadow complex historical ties and paradoxical situations that have been managed in the best way possible for decades. ► Rather, it might be useful to step back and examine the concerns of and security implications for US allies in the region such as South Korea. ► Taiwan could become an issue for ROK-US relatio...

► The United States will try to encourage Korea to possess its own strategic military assets via the cancelling of the ROK-US missile agreement, and place Korea at the center of its alliance policy since Korea has great potential to become a formidable military power. ► This suggests that Korea now has the opportunity to vastly upgrade its military status by building light aircraft carriers, nuclear-...