China–South Korea Relations in the New Era: Challenges and Opportunities

This book offers a comprehensive examination of China–South Korea relations after their diplomatic normalization in 1992, paying close attention to the most recent controversies in the bilateral relationship after the turn of the century. Inspired by the sharp contrast between their booming economic exchanges and declining political relations in recent years, this book posits that the so-called “end of China–South Korea honeymoon” actually reflects two emerging features in the bilateral relationship. The first is a process of strategic adjustments in East Asia prompted by the new reality of a rising China, and to a lesser extent, a rising South Korea. The second regards both countries’ domestic politics: traditional state autonomy in foreign policymaking is being challenged by better-informed and more assertive general publics who raise, frame, and highlight issues and effectively press their governments for action. In this book, the developments of China–South Korea relations are analyzed from a broader historical and theoretical perspective. Historically, the developments in the bilateral relationship are seen as a sign of transitions in a changing internal and external context. Theoretically, a comprehensive framework is constructed to integrate intergovernmental interactions (conventional diplomacy), semi- and non-official contacts (public diplomacy), and each country’s domestic political institutions. The analysis reveals a complicated and dynamic process that defines the bilateral relationship in the new century.

Table of Contents:
1 A Brief Review of China-South Korea Relations 2 Understanding the New Dynamics in China-South Korea Relations 3 Economics-Politics Nexus between China and South Korea 4 “Soft” Clashes in China-South Korea Relations 5 China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement: A Springboard to the Future? 6 Balancing between Allies and Rivals: External Players of China-South Korea Relations 7 Setting Sail in the New Century

About the Author :
Min Ye is professor of political science at Coastal Carolina University.

Review :
Ye’s book contributes to the literature in a timely manner, and provides insights into maintaining stable bilateral relations. This volume by Min Ye is focused on relations between China and South Korea and offers not simply a comprehensive and insightful analysis of this very important relationship but also how the changing dynamics of this relationship affects the international relations of Northeast Asia overall and what the changing dynamics of this relationship are likely to bring as this new century continues to unfold. It is a welcome addition to the literature on the international relations of Northeast Asia and offers a solid and thoughtful analysis of a relationship that is often reduced to its connection to the behavior of North Korea. As a result, it is required reading for scholars interested in Asian Security and the development of the region’s economy as well as for scholars interested in alliances and international relations in general. Min Ye provides an excellent and timely examination of China-South Korean ties that goes beyond what is happening at the elite level to also include needed attention on lower, ‘bottom-up’ elements of the relationship. Few books have been able to capture the complexity of the relationship as this one does. This book is essential reading for those seeking clarity and depth on China, South Korea, and the future of Northeast Asia. Timely written, tightly framed, and carefully reasoned, this excellent book successfully investigates the dynamic multidimensional interactions of Sino-South Korea relations in a comprehensive and balanced way. Its insightful and informative analysis will make it essential reading for scholars as well as policy makers.