South Korea’s Foreign Affairs: A Strategic Partner for the Americas

By Vivian Li

South Korea’s foreign affairs reflect its unique position in East Asia — a democratic, high-tech economy nestled among regional powers like China, Japan, and a hostile North Korea. But increasingly, South Korea is also a critical partner for North America, particularly in areas of security cooperation, economic strategy, and global governance.

U.S.-Korea Alliance: A Security Anchor

At the heart of South Korea’s foreign policy is its enduring alliance with the United States. For Washington, South Korea remains a vital democratic ally in a volatile region. The U.S. maintains nearly 30,000 troops on the Korean Peninsula and regularly engages in joint military exercises with Seoul. This partnership is central to containing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and maintaining broader Indo-Pacific security.

From an American policy perspective, the ROK-U.S. alliance has evolved from Cold War-era containment to a comprehensive strategic partnership, encompassing not just defense, but supply chain security, tech cooperation, and democratic resilience. Washington increasingly sees Seoul as a key counterweight to Chinese influence in the region.

Economic Ties with China: Risk and Reward

While South Korea is a close military ally of the U.S., it’s also deeply economically tied to China — its largest trading partner. This dual dependency creates friction. The deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in South Korea led to Chinese economic retaliation, a stark reminder of Seoul’s vulnerable position between competing powers. Canadian and American analysts alike see this as a case study in the challenges middle powers face when navigating between superpower rivalries.

Canada-Korea: Quiet But Growing

Canada’s relationship with South Korea is less visible but steadily expanding. As of 2024, South Korea is Canada’s 7th-largest trading partner, and both countries are signatories to the CPTPP. Beyond trade, Ottawa sees Seoul as a like-minded partner in supporting rules-based international order, especially in multilateral forums like the UN and APEC. There's growing potential for collaboration in critical minerals, clean tech, and digital infrastructure — areas both countries prioritize.

Japan and Historical Tensions

South Korea’s relations with Japan remain strained due to unresolved historical grievances dating back to Japanese colonial rule. However, trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. — particularly in defense and semiconductor supply chains — is gaining strategic urgency in light of China’s assertiveness and regional instability.

Global Outreach: A Model Middle Power

South Korea is now pursuing a global Korea strategy, seeking partnerships across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. For North American policymakers, this reflects a shift from regional player to global stakeholder. South Korea is investing in global development, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic networks that enhance its soft power and align well with Western foreign policy goals.

Why It Matters to the Americas

For both the U.S. and Canada, South Korea represents more than just a partner in Asia — it’s a like-minded democracy at the frontline of great power competition. Seoul’s balancing act between security needs and economic diplomacy offers insights for Western nations managing their own China strategies. At the same time, closer economic, technological, and policy coordination with South Korea strengthens transpacific resilience and reinforces liberal internationalism.

V. Li is a motivated student with a strong interest in Korean studies. Based in North America, she explores the cultural, historical, and political dynamics of Korea with a focus on global implications. Her writing bridges academic insight with real-world analysis, highlighting Korea’s growing relevance to U.S. and Canadian foreign policy.