Global power dynamics are currently undergoing a shift as countries align themselves with either the U.S. or China, in response to expanding Chinese hegemony and U.S. coercion that many nations face.

South Korea and Japan’s recent efforts to improve ties are part of this realignment, as are Seoul’s efforts to bolster its alliance with Washington since Yoon Suk-yeol took office.

These developments have led some to conclude that South Korea could or should join the Quad security dialogue that includes the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, a multilateral grouping that many observers see as an attempt to contain China. One