South Korea’s domestic tumult risks being exploited by China

14 Apr 2025 02:01 PM

EXPERT COMMENT

Beijing will see the removal of South Korea’s president and subsequent election as an opportunity to undermine Seoul’s alliances, at a time of rising tensions with the US.

One week ago, South Korea’s constitutional court voted to remove the country’s now-former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his initial impeachment by the national assembly on 14 December 2024. Preparations are now underway for the snap election of a new president, which will be held on 3 June.

Amidst ongoing political division in South Korea, Yoon’s dismissal will have serious consequences for Seoul’s foreign policy, especially at a time of heightened competition between Washington and Beijing. South Korea’s politics is increasingly polarized, and China will wish to exploit this division to undermine a crucial US alliance.

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