YDS 2021 in Review

of our grip on Uncle Sam and engaging with other regional partners with whom we
share common characteristics and strategic interests.
A N U N D E R D E V E L O P E D R E G I O N A L A L L I A N C E
There are multiple states within the Indo-Pacific with whom Australia has an
underdeveloped political relationship. However, complications concerning relations
with China, differing political systems, and a lack of shared values will continue to
limit progress with many of our regional neighbours. When considering potential
regional partners, Australia’s attention should turn to those with whom we share a
common strategic alliance with the US, an interest in preserving the rules-based
order, and upholding democratic tendencies. When applying this test, South Korea
offers a particularly attractive opportunity for Australia.
2021 marks the sixtieth anniversary of relations between South Korea and Australia.
This milestone should be one of celebration, but also of future planning. There has
long been reinforced impetus for closer collaboration between the two states, but
now is the time to capitalise on creating true regional influence and stability. While
there is some contestation over whether a common strategic outlook exists
between Canberra and Seoul, there is no question that they share overlapping
economic, political and military interests. Australia must focus on these specific
areas where the two can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. This is particularly
important today given the omnipresent rise of China and its increasingly assertive
foreign policies. There is a need in both Canberra and Seoul to guard against the
power-based international order being driven by Beijing. Collaboration to meet this
challenge is most likely to be facilitated in defence and economic sectors.
U N T A P P E D C O L L A B O R A T I O N
The most likely sector of cooperation between Australia and South Korea in the
immediate term is that of defence. Historically, South Korea has been wary of
Australia’s propensity to choose alternate military providers, particularly from
Germany, over Korean manufacturers. However, recent progress has been
promising. South Korea’s Hanwha Group was selected as the preferred bidder for
the LAND811 project in September 2020, budgeted at around AUD$1 billion. This
commitment from the Department of Defence (DoD) follows the aims set forward
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