New Asian Century: Korean and New Zealander Perspectives

On Thursday, October 3, 2013, the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and the Asia New Zealand Foundation co-organized a track-II strategic dialogue in Wellington, New Zealand. The dialogue covered a wide range of topics affecting both countries, from bilateral relations to perspectives on China’s rise, the US pivot, North Korea’s nuclear threat, and multilateral security. While recognizing the different strategic circumstances of Korea and New Zealand, the dialogue also examined areas of shared interests, such as regional trade and nonproliferation.

Eight months on, the second Asan-Asia NZ strategic dialogue takes place in the context of several new developments. The signing of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement in April 2014 has raised hopes of also concluding the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. China’s declaration of an Air Defense Identification Zone in November 2013 and maritime disputes in the South China Sea continue to destabilize the region. The Syrian civil war has entered its fourth year while a popular revolution in Ukraine risks falling under Russia’s ominous shadow. Meanwhile, on the Korean Peninsula, the release of the UN Commission of Inquiry in March 2014 has detailed the political genocide taking place inside North Korea and has called for international action. How are these issues viewed in Seoul and Wellington? What can Korea and New Zealand do to cooperate and coordinate in advancing their interests on the international stage?

Date / Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 / 10:00am–5:00pm
Venue: Conference Room (2F), The Asan Institute for Policy Studies