Perceptions of South Korean Foreign Policy towards Argentina, Brazil and Chile (Part 2)

As mentioned in the first part of this two-column series, my recent study "Perceptions of South Korean Foreign Policy towards Argentina, Brazil and Chile", surveyed South Korean academics specializing in Latin America regarding their perception of Korean foreign policy vis-à-vis Argentina, Brazil and Chile (ABC) for the period 2003-present.

The July 2008 column covered survey questions related to the general framework of Korea’s bilateral relations with Argentina, Brazil and Chile. This second column focuses on issues which are a bit more specific. For example, South Koreans academics indicated what, in their opinion, the most important bilateral issues were between the following nations for the period 2003-present: South Korea - Argentina, South Korea – Brazil, South Korea – Chile.

Trade leads the most frequently-mentioned category. Some scholars felt there were no important political issues that needed to be discussed between South Korea and these countries. They said that, after trade, economic cooperation was an important area worthy of mentioning. Among the relevant issues mentioned is the visit of President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 to Argentina, Brazil and Chile and the signing of FTA with Chile. Finally, they mentioned some minor bilateral policy, the subject of immigrants and the North Korean nuclear issue as bilateral discussion points. Surveyed academics clearly indicated that the need to seek and maintain a strategic energy relationship needs to be addressed without leaving political issues unresolved.

South Korea has received ongoing support from the ABC nations on its stance regarding the peaceful denuclearization of North Korea. This has promoted bilateral relations in political issues are relatively uncomplicated at this time. The issue of Chile and Brazil maintaining relations with North Korea is not seen as a problem when it comes to bilateral relations between South Korea and these countries. This is because if reunification were to occur, this would strengthen the two Latin American nations’ ties with a unified Korea.  Argentina established diplomatic relations with North Korea during 1973-1977, until they were ended, giving priority to South Korea ever since.

Another study question dealt with the specialists’ perception of potential changes in South Korea-ABC bilateral relations under the new administration of President Lee. With one exception, all believed that the new administration would have a more aggressive diplomatic policy towards Latin America, especially on energy resource development. This would appear to give Brazil priority vis-à-vis ABC countries. Regarding other issues, one scholar emphasized Korea was seeking trade alliances with countries (other than the usual China, Japan and USA), thereby expanding markets. This is, in fact, exactly what has occurred in the case of Chile and its FTA. Other academics noted the need for energy cooperation with Brazil and the need for more economic cooperation in Chile and Argentina as important issues.

Another question surveyed asked whether the Chile-Korea FTA had helped improve relations between South Korea and sampling country. All responses stated they had.  Most also suggested that had Chile improved its image, and the level of Koreans awareness of Chilean society had also improved given the improved trade. For example, Chilean wines are now highly valued in Korea. In addition, many respondents felt that the FTA had increased the level of cooperation, across the board.

The Korean scholars were also asked about the possibility of a MERCOSUR-Korea FTA that during the administration of President Lee, and if it were signed, whether relations with Argentina or Brazil would improve as a result. Most scholars thought it would be difficult to reach an FTA with MERCOSUR during a Lee administration. Some think that there may be talks. Others think a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which would lower tariffs on certain products in lieu of a more comprehensive FTA, is within the realm of possibility.  Some scholars do think an FTA is possible, yet unlikely. On the subject of the possible improvement of relations with Argentina and Brazil pursuant to an FTA, the response was positive in every case, though one response stressed that more with Brazil-Korea bilateral relations would be benefit more than the Argentinean case.

The most important issues, according to the academics surveyed, were as follows (on a scale of 1-10):

Korea - Argentina: Academic exchange, 6.14 (Argentina can support Korea in important topics of study). Cultural knowledge (literature-history) 5.86; Knowledge of language (Spanish) 6.71, (Koreans students travelling to learn Spanish); Scholarships for students 5.00. Korea - Brazil: 5.86, Academic Exchange (Brazil can support Korea topics of study, especially comparative study); Cultural knowledge (literature-history) 5.86; Knowledge of language (Portuguese) 6.57 (Koreans students travelling to learn Portuguese); Scholarships for students 5.14. Despite there being only one Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America, Korean students are interested in learning Portugese. Korea - Chile: Academic Exchange 6.00 (prioritizing issues of trade and investment in academic exchanges with Chile); Cultural knowledge (literature - history) 5.86; Knowledge of language (Spanish) 6.57; Fellowship Students 4.86.

As you can see the percentages on this topic are uneven and seem to indicate that there has been be little change during the Lee administration. The search for cultural exchange is an issue that is pending but not shelved. It seems to be slated as concomitant to the planned improvement of economic ties.

Lastly, one last question referred to what were, in the opinion of South Korean scholars, themes that President Lee should give priority to in future bilateral relations between South Korea and each ABC country. The responses mentioned the need for closer bilateral cooperation at the level of cultural and human knowledge, and the improvement of effective intercultural communication. That is, these areas should develop commensurate with progress in economic matters. Scholars also indicated that understanding of the other side’s domestic political and business sectors would be beneficial. Other areas were the need for progress on the MERCOSUR FTA, or PTA, including cooperation on natural resources and energy issues, and strengthening trade between the countries. Reference was also made to strengthening the academic exchanges between South Korea and ABC countries. Finally, the need to improve the level of Argentina’s exports, trade facilitation in the Brazilian case, and cooperation on energy and natural resources in the case of Chile were also mentioned.