South Korea Struggles to Resolve Habeck's Issues Also
Journeying from Germany to China, we had a friendly host in China who appreciates Germany. Although South Korea, known as a "values ally" for Germany, can't propel us much in significant hurdles, Germany was still warmly welcomed by millions of fans during the European Football Championship.
In Seoul, Economic Minister Habeck expressed his positive views towards South Korea, but found his trips to Brazil, India, and South Africa less satisfying. The expected distance from Russia wasn't achieved, as the BRICS partnership with China, Russia, and Brazil remains stable. South Korea is supportive of the West in the Ukraine conflict, with at least one foot.
However, South Korea doesn't supply weapons to Ukraine due to its own, dangerous conflict with North Korea. Habeck later commented that South Korea provides weapons to countries willing to do the same for Ukraine, so he has no reason to criticize Korea.
South Korea is also constructing ships for Liquefied Natural Gas transportation. Deals for delivering such tankers to Russia were pre-established before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Habeck expressed his hopes that these ships won't be delivered, but the delivery of much-needed Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine isn't an option due to South Korea's own defense concerns against North Korea.
Support for Ukraine is contentious in South Korea
South Korea has abandoned images of themselves and Vladimir Putin driving around in a luxurious car given by Putin. Russia provides artillery and ammunition for its war against Ukraine from North Korea. Habeck expressed his fears that this wouldn't happen without a deal, making North Korea increasingly militarized and armed. The day after, Russia threatens South Korea with consequences if it militarily supports Ukraine.
Habeck commends South Korea for taking the side of freedom and liberal democracies in the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, supporting Ukraine is a contentious issue in South Korea. Supporters view the support for the attacked country in the context of the United States and Europe against China and Russia. Although they stand on the side of Ukraine, the struggle between democracies and autocracies holds less importance.
The "values alliance" is more of a strategic partnership. Habeck was deeply moved by South Korea's fight for its democracy, but it's crucial to note that democracy in South Korea is different: The two-party system is highly divided, press freedom is under threat, women, LGBTQ people, and migrants face discrimination, and the powerful elite of chaebols wield immense influence.
Moreover, South Korea and Germany have strong economic ties. South Korea is Germany's most significant export destination in Asia after China, with sales of German products totaling 20.4 billion Euros. Conversely, South Korea supplies Germany's industry with semiconductors and consumer electronics. German cars are popular in South Korea, although they don't dominate the streets of Seoul.
Habeck aims to expand this cooperation. An economic delegation from German mid-sized companies is already present in South Korea. For a larger exchange of goods, business, and association representatives are advocating for a novel free trade agreement, particularly in recognizing each other's technical standards. Both countries face similar challenges in dealing with China.
Visit to the "Mixed Zone" at the border with North Korea
South Korea has been pursuing a resource strategy for years, trying to secure access to resource markets in South Africa and Central Asia as an independent actor. These efforts are still in their infancy in Germany and the EU, although the traffic light government has launched various projects in this direction due to the Russian invasion. Habeck also urges the economy to reduce dependencies on China in raw materials, production, and sales.
In South Korea, it's evident: The country is not an alternative. South Korean companies have relocated massive production abroad due to comparable labor costs, opening up countries that German companies are just starting to consider, like Vietnam. South Korea also grapples with the challenge of an aging society: A South Korean woman on average has 0.7 children, the global lowest average, and the trend continues to decline.
The Economic Minister of Germany chooses to remain silent on domestic issues, instead zeroing in on potential dangers from North Korea. His visit takes him to Panmunjom, the demilitarized zone separating the two nations. An American soldier acts as guide, leading the way through the joint military post. The North Korean side maintains a watchful eye on the proceedings. Unlike corporate figures, German media outlets are barred from attending. A German journalist was previously penalized during Scholz's visit in April for filming in restricted areas. Now, the Habeck team endures the repercussions.
Afterwards, Habeck expresses his thoughts: "This is the sole communication channel left for interaction between South and North Korea," he says, referring to the direct phone line between the two countries. Drawing a parallel to sports, he likens the encounter to the Mixed Zone - a place where dialogue can take place. An audacious, yet not inaccurate comparison. The European Championship, located 11,000 kilometers away, lingers in the Minister's mind.
Read also:
- Despite South Korea's support for the West in the Attack on Ukraine, it refrains from supplying weapons due to its own conflict with North Korea, as stated by Economic Minister Robert Habeck.
- During his visit to the "Mixed Zone" at the border with North Korea, Habeck highlighted the importance of the direct phone line between South and North Korea as the only channel for interaction, comparing it to the Mixed Zone in sports where dialogue can take place.
- Habeck, in his discussions with South Korean leaders, expressed concerns about Russia's provision of artillery and ammunition for its war against Ukraine, which originates from North Korea, potentially leading to an increase in North Korea's militarization and armament.
