On December 6-8, the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies invited esteemed scholars, opinion leaders, and present and former government officials to participate in the first annual ‘Trans-Pacific Dialogue,’ a forum of experts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and United States, to focus on addressing the most pressing global challenges and crises the world faces today. The Dialogue consisted of five main sessions, each centering on increasingly critical, global issues.
The first session, entitled ‘Intensifying U.S.-China Strategic Competition,’ focused on critical questions surrounding the growing rivalry between the United States and China. First, transformations in the world order were discussed in the light of sustained competition between the two powers. Then, the battle for technological primacy between the U.S. and China was highlighted, with scholars covering issues from economic decoupling to the securitization of technology. Prospects for cooperation between the two countries, predictions for relations under Xi Jinping, and the trajectory for China domestically was discussed. Finally, scholars covered the implications for Taiwan and China in the relation to the now-Ukraine Crisis.
The second session was titled: ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy and U.S.-Korea-Japan Trilateral Cooperation.’ Discussion commenced on the nature and trajectory of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, with mixed conclusions on its relation to China. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was also reviewed, with a U.S. official providing his/her perspective on its progress. One of the most pressing issues in Asia today is the Quad- numerous questions in the second session revolved on the possibility of expanding the Quad to encompass South Korea, to heated debate. Finally, the future of U.S.-Korea-Japan trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was debated amongst the panelists.
The third session, ‘North Korean Denuclearization and U.S.-ROK Alliance,’ focused on Kim Jong-un’s build-up of military capabilities, with a majority of panelists viewing prospects for denuclearization as bleak. Overwhelmingly, panelists from all three countries agreed that maintaining U.S.-ROK alliance solidarity and robust deterrence capabilities was of critical importance. China’s role in dealing with the DPRK was also covered; although critical, many agreed that convincing China to play a constructive role in denuclearization would be difficult. Finally, the importance of sanctions was emphasized by the scholars as the last remaining leverage the U.S. has against the North.
The fourth session was entitled ‘Scientific Innovation and Geopolitical Impact.’ Evaluating the influence of advanced technologies on geopolitical dynamics, panelists noted that China has demonstrated dominance in advanced-technology industries, emerging as a serious competitor with the United States. American panelists discussed numerous methods to evolve U.S. policy and innovation in order to compete with China, with suggestions for ROK and Japan to lead in innovation as well. Finally, panelists discussed how to leverage technological innovation to reach carbon net-zero goals, with a focus on nuclear energy and EV (electric vehicle) batteries.
The final session, ‘The Future of Global Supply Chains and Sustainability,’ first focused on the securitization of the global supply chain, with scholars reviewing strategies to rebuild supply chains and strengthen cooperation bilaterally and trilaterally. Next, experts discussed the advanced semiconductor industry, noting the need for education, collaboration, and an understanding of the multitude of shifts that have occurred in the industry. The EV battery market was also assessed in depth, noting global changes in the market. Finally, panelists focused on the government’s role in supporting research and partnerships to enhance competitiveness.