The impact of China–US strategic competition extends beyond bilateral relations between the two countries, affecting Japan, South Korea, and the broader construction of the Northeast Asian order to varying degrees. Since the Trump administration, excessive domestic focus has led to a conservative approach to alliance policies, resulting in a relative loosening of the Japan-US and South Korea-US alliances. Meanwhile, China–Japan and China–South Korea relations have continued to make new progress, presenting a favorable opportunity to further develop trilateral relations, actively promote negotiations for a China–Japan–South Korea Free Trade Area, and jointly advance the development of a new Northeast Asian order. Northeast Asia has historically experienced three distinct orders, yet the post-Cold War reconstruction of the regional order remains incomplete. China, Japan, and South Korea serve as the main drivers of this order-building process, while the United States remains a significant external factor influencing the “new trilateral” relations among the three countries. At present, the Northeast Asian order has achieved phased progress in the economic sphere. Looking ahead, its further development still requires the “new trilateral” to reduce external interference, strengthen consensus, deepen cooperation, and actively lead the construction of the regional order.
Research Article
Open Access