South Korea ‘sensing geopolitical uncertainty’ avoids committing in potential Taiwan crisis, maintains mainland China ties

South Korea’s Minister of National Defence Shin Won-sik downplayed his country’s resolve to intervene in such a scenario, during a TV interview on April 21, adding that if a crisis occurred, Seoul’s paramount concern was “observing the possibility of North Korean provocations”.

“South Korea is sensing geopolitical uncertainty,” he said, noting that Seoul was “toning down the rhetoric” on Taiwan so as not to inject uncertainty that could “easily turn into volatility”.

Before Blinken’s three-day visit to China, US officials pointed to a period of relative calm in the Taiwan Strait over the past few months, after years of aggressive Chinese military manoeuvres and threats.

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Taiwan drives away mainland Chinese coastguard in series of tense exchanges

Just hours after Blinken departed on Saturday, Taiwan reported a sudden surge of military activity, with a dozen Chinese warplanes flying sorties close to the island.

“Preparing against a possible attack from North Korea is helping the US in Taiwan indirectly,” Park said, noting that Washington could then utilise its forces without worrying about North Korean provocation.

“Sending troops to Taiwan is not the only way we can support the US in Taiwan. Preventing North Korea from attacking South Korea is an indirect and important way to support the US in Taiwan,” Park said.

If South Korean troops were sent to Taiwan, Park predicted that Seoul would have little wiggle room.

“South Korea would not have space to consider China’s strategic position … [Seoul] would have no choice but to side with the US,” Park said.

Alexander M. Hynd, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said that under the US-South Korea alliance, Seoul was keen to maximise its