Korea for the World, the World for Korea! 한국을 대표하는 글로벌 방송! As a global broadcast representing Korea, Arirang TV strives to promote the right understanding of Korea around the world and bring the global community closer through TV and radio. 아리랑국제방송은 한국을 대표하는 글로벌 방송으로서 전 세계를 대상으로 TV와 Radio를 통해...
www.arirang.com
Ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Seoul, there's a growing call for stronger cooperation between like-minded countries, as global uncertainty and conflict continue to grow.
Korea and France have much room to deepen security ties, from nuclear submarines to middle power cooperation.
That's according to Sejong Institute Vice President Cheong Seong-chang, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Korea on Thursday, upon the 140th year of bilateral relations.
Cheong says security should be front and center of bilateral talks, with a focus on nuclear-powered submarines.
Seoul aims to develop its own, a move U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed in his summit with President Lee Jae Myung last year.But hurdles remain in their bilateral nuclear agreement, and U.S. control over nuclear fuel and technology.
Here, France offers a different path, which could also overcome proliferation concerns.
"France built its submarines on technology entirely independent from the U.S., meaning U.S. approval is not needed, and as France uses low-enriched uranium the same grade used in civilian power plants you simply cannot make a nuclear weapon from it."
A potential partnership could also have commercial promise.
"If Korea, the world’s second-largest shipbuilding powerhouse, joins hands with France, France could become a hub for the MRO market in Europe. This could also serve as a strategic gateway for Korea’s expansion into the European market. What France lacks shipbuilding, infrastructure, ammunition production Korea can provide. While France an offer operational know-how, expertise in enrichment and reprocessing."
Chang says it's a crucial moment when countries like Korea and France must strengthen their own capabilities, in the face of shared threats and vulnerabilities.
For one, the U.S. is no longer making extended deterrence commitments to allies as clearly as before.This, he said, makes the case for a new consultative body of five Middle Power countries,.. not to replace but complement the U.S.-led order.
"Middle powers like Korea, France, Japan, Germany, and Britain can yield considerable force if they work together, as the world's fifth through eighth-ranked military powers. Korea is considered fifth in conventional military power. It is also a leading force in semiconductors and smartphones. France has nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines. So does Britain which also has strength in intelligence. Japan has the world’s third-largest shipbuilding industry, while Germany has major economic and defence capabilities.
"With France having invited Korea to the G7 leaders' summit this year, such middle power alignment could growingly gain traction.
Lee and Macron's bilateral talks this week are expected to cover economic and industrial to security and cultural cooperation.
Macron's visit to Korea will mark his first since taking office, and the first by a French president in eleven years.
PS This expert is close to the current South Korean President.