[PDI Working Paper No.9] Ideals and Reality of Non-traditional Security Cooperation in Northeast Asia – Focused on Disaster Cooperation between Korea, China and Japan

Eun Mi Choi (Research Fellow of The Asan Institute for Policy Studies)

* This paper was published at Giam Workshop #4.

Abstract:

Korea’s international cooperation in the field of disasters is taking place in various forms. In particular, cooperation in the sense of international development cooperation provides economic and social support to many countries and allows them to grow together, and comprehensive international cooperation is continuously conducted through international seminars and joint research such as information sharing with neighboring countries. Moreover, Korea, China, and Japan have various levels of cooperation framework, including ministerial, director-general, and working-level officials. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say that a framework for institutional cooperation has been established in the disaster field in the region. As previously discussed, various frameworks have been in operation since 2004, but it is unclear whether relief and material support can be achieved in crisis situations caused by unexpected natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods. This is because most of Korea’s projects, such as overseas emergency relief, are centered on developing countries, and it is difficult to find a cooperative system with neighboring countries Japan and China. Among the proportions of development cooperation and exchange cooperation, the proportion of exchange cooperation is significantly higher.

International cooperation and cooperation on cooperation in the non-traditional security field in the region are indispensable. Moreover, regional cooperation becomes more important in a situation where national relations in various fields are becoming more complex and interconnected. However, we should refrain from optimistic expectations that cooperation in the non-traditional security sector will be easier than cooperation in the traditional security sector. In the field of non-traditional security, it is often difficult to even begin discussions in a different context from traditional security, and there is a fierce competition between invisible countries for rights and leadership. In addition, non-political cooperation is likely to be influenced by political and diplomatic relations, and above all, if an existential threat occurs in front of North Korea’s nuclear provocations, discussions on non-traditional security cooperation are placed on the back burner. Nevertheless, there is no disagreement that a joint response to a non-traditional security crisis that transcends borders and threatens human life is indispensable, cooperation must be expanded, and efforts must be made steadily. However, keeping in mind that non-traditional security cooperation is also not easy, it is believed that it is necessary to change thoughts and create an environment for practical joint response.