South Korea gets closer to the west

China's bullying proves South Korea's Yoon is on the right track

An escalating war of words between Beijing and Seoul is raising pressure on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to take a softer line with China, but it would be a mistake to do so, writes Derek Grossman.
 
Although China is likely to come up with retaliatory measures against South Korean exports and businesses, especially as Seoul moves toward the full operation of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, Yoon should hold firm, stresses the RAND Corp. defense analyst.
 
Beijing's threats of punishment should be seen "as vindication for further strengthening and expanding Seoul's alliance with the U.S. beyond North Korea-related challenges ... and to similarly enhance its revived partnership with Japan," he argues.