2023 Outlook on International Security Situation

Lee Daewoo

(delee@sejong.org)

Director of the Department of Security Strategy Studies,

The Sejong Institute

     The international security situation in 2022 was more volatile than ever. As the U.S.-China hegemony competition intensified at the global level, the confrontation between the two countries in the Taiwan Strait worsened the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to a geopolitical confrontation in Europe. The international security situation in 2023 also shows no signs of stabilizing. The U.S.-China hegemony competition, which has expanded from military to economic competition, will continue, and cross-strait relations and inter-Korean relations are unlikely to improve.

     However, the situation in Europe is expected to stabilize somewhat as the Ukraine war is likely to end. Against this backdrop, South Korea is to curb North Korea's provocations as much as possible by strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance, along with responding to violations of South Korea's economic policy autonomy caused by the U.S. "Inflation Reduction Act" and "CHIPS and Science Act." Meanwhile, efforts should be made to improve Korea-China relations under the consideration of economic relations. After all, the international security situation in 2023 depends on U.S.-China relations. It is hoped that the meeting between Blinken and Wang Yi to be scheduled for early 2023, will produce a compromise that can improve the international security situation and economic environment. ✤