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Twenty years after diplomatic normalization in 1992, Korea-China relations have become more interdependent, complex, and conflict-ridden. In spite of ever-growing economic interactions, South Korea now views China as a source of concern with respect to its economy and security. The China-South Korean history controversy and the disillusionment in the midst of the Cheonan sinking and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling further contributed to the rise of such concern. As the interactions grow in the future, South Korea and China will face challenges in seven areas: trade/commercial frictions, historical disputes, clashes of values and norms, North Korea's nuclear weapons, the Korea-US alliance, territorial disputes, and Korean re- unification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses aspects of relations between China and South Korea. The central focus of the article is an examination of a protracted dispute between the two nations over differing views regarding the historiography of Koguryo, ancient Korean kingdom that comprised parts of what is now China, indicates the ease with which amicable relations between the two states can be disrupted. In addition the article contains the author's assertion that relations between South Korea and China call for careful administration and considered diplomatic measures.

This paper explores how Washington views the burgeoning across-the-board ties between Seoul and Beijing in the midst of the strained alliance relationship with the former. On the basis of poll and interview data, the paper demonstrates (1) average Americans' perceptual bias in favor of Europe and general lack of interest in Asian affairs at large, (2) Americans' (both public and elite) strong antipathy toward China and indifference to Korea, and (3) the potentially adverse impact of such perceptions on the future U.S.-Korea relations within the context of rapidly expanding Sino-Korean bilateralism. In the short run South Korea's strategic choice will be invariably to stick with the U.S.-centered alliance structure and, at the same time, to expand the burgeoning ties with China. South Korea's policy will increasingly resemble hedging. This approach will require much prudence. In the mid-term--by 2030--China's shadow over South Korea will perhaps have eclipsed that of the United States in Asia and, given that China may become a de factor "hegemonic" player in its traditional sphere of influence, the time will come when South Korea has to decide whether or not to jump on the Chinese bandwagon. Much of this, however, will certainly by largely predetermined in the next decade during which the future pattern of U.S.-China relations and the "revisionist" disposition of China will become increasingly manifest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the impact of a trade dispute known as garlic battle that erupted between China and South Korea in 2000 on their bilateral relationship. Comparison of the China-South Korea garlic battle and the China-Japan mushroom war in 2001; Reasons behind the eruption of the garlic battle; Factors which contributed to the decision of China to implement harsh retaliatory measures against South Korea; Concession by South Korea to settle the issue.

Discusses the strategic dilemma of South Korea in dealing with the United States and China. Factors that contribute to the dilemma; Implications of the growth of China for South Korea; Sources of South Korean ambivalence toward China.

An introduction to the journal in which the editor discusses an article on the relations of South Korea with China, economics and trade as conflict areas of South Korea and China, and sinocentrism as an obstacle in the relations.