Japan and South Korea: Two "Like-Minded" States Have Mixed Views on Conflicts in the South China Sea
by Rebecca Strating
East-West Wire
Publisher: Honolulu, HI: East-West Center
Publication Date: 24 April 2020
Pages: 2
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Many argue that China's increasingly aggressive posture in the South China Sea is an attempt to unilaterally alter the US-led regional order, which includes a strong emphasis on freedom of navigation. In response, the US has stressed the importance of "like-minded" states—including Japan and South Korea—in defending freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and elsewhere. The "like-minded" characterization, however, disguises important differences in attitudes and behavior that could hinder joint efforts to push back against China.