[19970708]97-681_韩国：改善韩中关系——动机和影响.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web97-681 FJuly 8, 1997Korea: Improved South Korean-Chinese Relations- Motives And ImplicationsRobert G. SutterSenior Specialist in International PoliticsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryChinese and South Korean leaders have markedly improved their bilateral ties sincethey established official diplomatic relations in 1992. There have been repeated summitmeetings and China is now South Koreas third largest trading partner and the mainrecipient of South Korean foreign investment. Consultations in Seoul and Beijingindicate that Chinese and South Korean motives center on seeking economic benefit,enhancing their respective interests and influence on the Korean peninsula, andbroadening foreign policy options that relate to the United States. In general, the recentimprovement is compatible with important U.S. policy concerns about stability in theKorean peninsula. Potential complications for U.S. relations with South Korea couldarise if Sino-U.S. tensions in Asia rose markedly or if South Korean leaders endeavoredto use burgeoning relations with China as an indirect sou