Luncheon Discussion on EU-ROK Relations and the Indo-Pacific

At the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Xavier Nuttin, Senior Associate and Board Member of the EIAS, participated on October 20 in a working lunch with First Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Jong Kun CHOI to discuss, with other academics and researchers, the EU’s Strategy for Cooperation on the Indo-Pacific. In his keynote speech, and during the debate, the Vice-Minister stressed the high interdependence between China and the ROK, both in terms of trade and security, and the need to continue to engage with Beijing. He also stressed the important role the EU, as a like-minded partner, can play in the region to support peace and stability. Other topics that were discussed included the Myanmar coup d’état, the tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, ASEAN centrality, climate change, business and trade opportunities, values and democracy and the competition between China and the USA.