14 - The impact of Gorbachev's new thinking on Soviet policy toward South Korea

Summary

Along with the efforts to develop new ties with non-socialist developing countries in Asia, the Soviets have improved relations with South Korea during 1989–90. After the absence of any significant contacts for the last several decades, the Soviets have actively sought a close relationship with Seoul at various levels since the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. The Olympic Games provided a natural opportunity for the Soviets to recognize the economic development of South Korea and to establish contacts. In 1989, more than 2,000 Soviets, including politicians, government officials, journalists, scholars, and members of business associations, visited Seoul to promote cooperation in various fields. Major South Korean business corporations also opened liaison offices in Moscow in 1989, and they have negotiated economic deals. The ruling parties of the two countries also made political contacts in March 1990, and this led to a meeting between the presidents of the two countries two months later. Most significantly, several contacts between the officials of the two countries finally resulted in the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Moscow and Seoul in September 1990. As most Korean specialists in the Soviet Union agree, the two countries are expected to develop serious business relations beyond mutual understanding and curiosity. Many Soviets view the development of relations between South Korea and the Soviet Union as an inevitable historical process due to new thinking in Soviet foreign policy.