A Study On The "China Threat Theory" In Korea

With the gradual development of China,and the gradual rise in the East Asian region and even the world, the "China threat theory" appears. This means that China will threaten the East Asian region in various aspects and even the world. So it is in South Korea. The "China threat theory" will have an impact on the political and economic development of normal relations between South Korea and China. Therefore, this paper about the "China threat theory" in South Korea will be more significant in a practical sense.First, the paper will introduce the "China threat theory" in brief. The "China threat theory" has existed since the late 19th century, For example, "Yellow Peril" essentially has the same meaning as the "China threat theory".The "China threat theory" in the modern sense originated from the end of the Cold War. At that time, the Soviet Union's forces were weakening and the Eastern European block had already dissolved, but China was growing stronger.The "China threat theory" originated from an associate professor of the Japan Defense University, and he published an article titted "A study on the potential threat--China", from the perspective of national strength.The "China threat theory" has experienced four peaks. And the "China threat theory" has manifested itself in the following aspects:"the Chinese economic threat theory","the theory of the Chinese military threat","the threat of Chinese civilization", and"the threat of the Chinese nation".So it is in South Korea.In the area of trade, China has the advantages in the labor market. There is competition in international trade with Korea.In the political arena, North Korea is a strategic buffer zone to China. China and South Korea both have their own interests in the Korean Peninsula, and have their own political purposes too, so there are all kinds of conflict between the different positions.Additionally, in the area of culture and history, South Korea has increasingly been trying to rid itself of Chinese culture. For example, changing the name of the capital and reducing the use of Chinese characters.As for territorial boundaries, there is a controversy between the two countries. For example, the "Northeast Project" as an academic question, eventually developed into the territorial issue, and the core of the problem is the ownership of Changbai Mountain.There are four reasons for the"china threat theory"in South Korea: First, there are ideological differences between the two countries. Socialism , as the antithesis of capitalism has often been regarded as undemocratic, and so is a threat; Second, the national political and economic interests as a reality, China's economic development will give neighbors political and military pressure, and may even trigger internal confilct; Third, the existence of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, South Korea is controlled by the United States .Moreover, because of the long-time occupation of the United States in Korea ,the existence of a large number of pro-American South Koreans has made the "China threat theory" prevalent. South Korea has become an extension of U.S interests; In addition, rising nationism in South Korea has creafed more conflut. The people are trying to get rid of the influence of Chinese culture, and the image and status of a small country. they are still wary of China's growth. The"China threat theory"is a "soft containment" implemented by western countries.The "China threat theory" affects South Korea's economic interactions. South Korea fears that China's economic development will pose a threat to South Korea's economic development, therefore it is Conservative in trade, technology , and even, imposing regulatory tariffs, using the "special protection" clause to set up legal barriers."China threat theory" brought some adverse effects to the normal relations between China and South Korea.In fact, South Korea has stepped up development of national defense and military construction. Defense objects are more plural, that is the main target of North Korea as a defense at the same time that Japan, China and Russia into the defense targets; At the same time, establishing a high-quality military, to increase military spending, developing military weapons and equipment, joining with the United States.The"China threat theory"promotes the triangular relationship between the United States, Japan and South Korea. Three countries regard China as a potential rival and there fore strengthens the alliance between the three countries a they wish to prevent China from playing a leading role in the process of reunifying the Korean Peninsula, they also wish to prevent China from resolving the Taiwan issue in order to ensure their own dominant position in East Asia.Moreover, the "China threat theory" will impact two countries'cultural exchanges.Is China's development an opportunity or a threat to South Korea?First, from the perspective of the interdependence theory, the rise of China is an opportunity to South Korea. Two countries are interdependent in the political, economic, military and cultural arena, the growing commonality of interests show they are Indivisible. The rapid expansion of China's economy will provide opportunities for South Korea , also, China is a potential market for South Korea.Second, in terms of the security cooperation theory. China's rise will boost South Korea's diplomatic initiative. China has become a balancing power between South Korea and the United States. South Korea is more and more inclined to Beijing, rather than Washington. Due to the mutual influence between China and the United States, it will reduce intervention in South Korea from any one single area, and increases the possibility of hegemonic influence, raising the possibility of implementing their own principles for resolving their own issues.China's development is an opportunity for South Korea. Although South Korea is facing a powerful neighbor in political, economic, cultural and military areas, it need not hate, nor unduly spread nationalizeal also, They only need to achieve mutual benefit and common prosperity by learning form to each other.