SOUTH KOREA-ASEAN RELATIONS: CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS A STRONGER ASEAN COMMUNITY

Govindasamy, Geetha (2015) SOUTH KOREA-ASEAN RELATIONS: CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS A STRONGER ASEAN COMMUNITY. In: 9th International Conference on Malaysia-Indonesia Relations (PAHMI 9) Faculty Of Social Sciences Yogyakarta State University.

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Abstract

One of the main obstacles in building an ASEAN Community relates to the huge gaps in the levels of economic and infrastructure development that exists between older and newer member countries of ASEAN. The paper argues that the construction of an ASEAN Community demands a multilateral approach. ASEAN is doing this by establishing stronger ties with middle powers in the region. The paper is a preliminary consideration of issues relating to the relationship between South Korea and ASEAN. It provides a country level exploration of the extent to which South Korea facilitates the strengthening of the ASEAN Community in various sectors. South Korea, which prides itself as a middle power, has played a significant role in strengthening ASEAN’s internal and regional economic and social integration. Both parties are already involved in four significant frameworks namely the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation, East Asia Summit and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Economically, the combination of South Korea’s technology and ASEAN’s natural resources have seen two way investments and trade linkages rise significantly. Further, in order to reduce the gap between the older and newer ASEAN member countries, 30% of Korea’s official development assistance is being channeled to ASEAN. Understanding that the development of the Mekong region is imperative in achieving the goal of an ASEAN Community, South Korea signed the Han River Declaration to aid in increasing ASEAN connectivity, improving sustainable development and promoting people - to people oriented development. In sum, the paper serves as a reminder that the creation of an ASEAN Community requires some outside assistance and expertise. Keywords: South Korea, ASEAN, community building, middle power diplomacy, development gap Theme: International Relations

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	Ilmu Sosial > Pendidikan IPS
Divisions:	Fakultas Ilmu Sosial, Hukum dan Ilmu Politik (FISHIPOL) > Pendidikan IPS
Depositing User:	Admin Pendidikan IPS FIS
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2015 01:44
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2015 01:44
URI:	http://eprints.uny.ac.id/id/eprint/27778

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