What is the relationship between South Korea and China like? Are they allies or enemies?
1 Answer
South Korea and China's relationship is complex because of North Korea. The words "continued dialogue" seem to be the most descriptive.
Explanation:
China is one of North Korea's few friends, the relationship is very self serving for each. North Korea imports a fair amount of food from China and does supply cheap export labour for some Chinese industry. China will arrest North Koreans living in China and return them to North Korea. China is a major route out of North Korea to a better life almost anywhere else for North Koreans.
North Korea is still considered a risky investment for Chinese business as the North Korean Government is very interested in the invested money and not so much in supporting the business.
South Korean business invests in Chinese factories like everyone else. There is extensive trade between China and South Korea and South Korea is well placed to provide services if China becomes more of a consumer society. There is a complex China, Japan, South Korea relationship (varies from moment to moment).
North Koreans reaching South Korea can get asylum and support for a new life. South Korea examines refugees carefully for North Korean Military infiltrators.
https://csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/legacy_files/files/publication/1203qchina_korea.pdf
