New Southern Policy: Strengthening South Korea's Ties with ASEAN
Launched in 2017 under the administration of President Moon Jae-in, the New Southern Policy represents a strategic shift in South Korea's foreign affairs. The initiative was designed to bolster relationships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aiming to create a "people-centered community of peace and prosperity." This diplomatic framework operates alongside the New Northern Policy to balance South Korea's international engagements.
At the heart of this policy are the "3Ps": People (사람), Peace (평화), and Prosperity (상생번영). By focusing on these three pillars, South Korea sought to diversify its economic dependencies—specifically reducing its reliance on China—while securing new trade opportunities and economic growth through deeper cooperation with Southeast Asian partners.
Key Facts
- Core Pillars: The policy is built on People, Peace, and Prosperity (the 3Ps).
- Economic Goals: Increasing exports to ASEAN and reducing trade dependence on China.
- Diplomatic Status: ASEAN diplomacy was elevated to the same level as diplomacy with the four major global powers.
- Key Agreements: Participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a Digital Economy Partnership Agreement with Singapore.
- Institutional Growth: Establishment of a representative office of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN within the Indonesian Embassy in Korea.
Strategic Implementation and Economic Integration
To translate the New Southern Policy into action, the South Korean government implemented several high-level diplomatic measures. This included hosting the Korea-ASEAN Special Summit and upgrading the Korea-Mekong Foreign Ministers' Meeting into a full-scale summit. Furthermore, the government aligned the New Southern Policy with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy to ensure geopolitical synergy.
Economic integration was accelerated through various free trade agreements. South Korea joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major trade bloc including the Philippines and Indonesia. Additionally, the government signed a specialized Digital Economy Partnership Agreement with Singapore to foster technological and digital trade.
The 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit
A pivotal moment for the policy occurred during the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit held in Busan from November 25 to 26. This event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN-ROK Dialogue Partnership and served as the central hub for the New Southern Policy's objectives.
The summit resulted in several concrete outcomes to foster long-term growth:
- Development Cooperation: The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on mutual development.
- Entrepreneurship: The creation of a joint startup fund designed to cultivate more "unicorn enterprises" (startups valued at over $1 billion).
- Business Expansion: The establishment of New Southern business centres to assist Korean companies in entering ASEAN markets.
The ROK-Mekong Summit
Beginning on November 27, 2017, the ROK-Mekong Summit was established as an annual series of meetings between South Korea and the four ASEAN nations situated along the Mekong River: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
The primary goal of these summits is to intensify cooperation among these specific partners. The inaugural summit led to the creation of the Mekong-Han River Declaration, which formally established a partnership focused on the sectors of People, Prosperity, and Peace.
| Initiative | Focus/Participants | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| New Southern Policy | ASEAN Countries | 3P Framework (People, Peace, Prosperity) |
| 2019 Commemorative Summit | Busan, South Korea | Joint startup fund & business centres |
| ROK-Mekong Summit | Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia | Mekong-Han River Declaration |
| Trade Agreements | RCEP, Singapore | Digital Economy Partnership Agreement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the "3Ps" of the New Southern Policy?
The 3Ps stand for People, Peace, and Prosperity, serving as the foundational pillars for South Korea's community-centered approach to ASEAN relations.
Why did South Korea implement the New Southern Policy?
The policy was designed to strengthen ties with ASEAN, increase economic growth through new export markets, and alleviate the country's heavy trade dependence on China.
Which countries are involved in the ROK-Mekong Summit?
The summit involves the Republic of Korea and four ASEAN nations crossed by the Mekong River: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
What was the significance of the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit?
It celebrated 30 years of the Dialogue Partnership and produced tangible results, including a joint startup fund for unicorn enterprises and the creation of New Southern business centres.
How did South Korea integrate ASEAN diplomacy into its official hierarchy?
South Korea established a representative office to ASEAN at the Indonesian Embassy in Korea, effectively raising ASEAN diplomacy to the same level as that of the four global powers.