Australian perspective on engaging with South Korea in the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

How do the US allies engage with other actors in the US-led Indo-Pacific security order? This article examines this question in the case of Australia. We argue that the regional strategic network is a key consideration for Australia to facilitate its interaction with a target country in the Indo-Pacific. This article analyzes Australia's approach toward South Korea as an example demonstrating the significance of the regional strategic network in shaping Australia's diplomacy. It does so by addressing the following three questions. First, what is Australia's vision for the Indo-Pacific? Second, how does Australia perceive South Korea's role in the Indo-Pacific? Third, how does Australia's Indo-Pacific vision find the relevance of South Korea for Australia's security interests? The article elucidates that Australia's view on South Korea's place in the Indo-Pacific security network influences Australia's interaction with South Korea and consequently plays an integral part in the US-led regional security order-building process.