Korea in the New Asia: East Asian Integration and the China Factor (Routledge Advances in Korean Studies)

Since the late 1970s a number of regional developments have impacted upon South Korea's political and economic standing in Asia. China's spectacular growth and closer integration with its neighbouring economies, along with a tendency toward more assertive political and diplomatic activity, have deeply altered both the economic and political East Asian environment. Simultaneously, the 1997-98 financial crisis catalysed a process of increased regional co-operation in East Asia. China's rise has imposed a leadership problem that may constitute a major obstacle on the road to deeper regional integration, as well as add force to the need for collective action, and it is this paradox that may give South Korea a key role in the reorganization of the region. Moreover, inter-Korean relations and Korea's future security environment may also feel the effects of the rise of China.