Prospects for an increased naval role for the Republic of Korea in Northeast Asian security

Abstract

The Republic of Korea's robust economy and diverse global interests are encouraging ROK officials and scholars to contemplate a broader range of security interests than they have in the past. ROK naval options are included in that spectrum. Though the ROK remains preoccupied by a continental orientation, focused on the North Korean threat, defense intellectuals in South Korea are interested in the following broader security themes: SLOC defenses, regional naval security, industrial cooperation in naval areas, and the possibilities of a Korean maritime strategy. The ROK seems interested in expanding its naval horizons and capabilities, but those aspirations may be tempered by changes in Northeast Asia which may alter the context in which Seoul must implement its policies. Keywords: Sea lanes of communications; Maritime strategy. (edc)