ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Philip Turner

Philip Turner has divided his career between the private and public sectors, with 20 years of experience as a diplomat for New Zealand in Tokyo, Brussels and Seoul. From 2018 to February 2023, he served as New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He has also spent 18 years working for the leading New Zealand company Fonterra in China, Japan, Europe and New Zealand. He speaks fluent Japanese, French, and some Korean, Mandarin and Spanish. He now lives in Tokyo.

More articles by 'Philip Turner'

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Analysis

Putin’s Pyongyang visit heightens South Korea’s security dilemma

South Korea faces tough choices as Russia and North Korea deepen ties, potentially impacting regional stability

Philip TurnerJune 27, 2024

Analysis

US and Asian allies divided over long-term strategy to deal with China’s rise

The US wants to contain China, Asian partners seek to deter it while maintaining economic cooperation

Philip TurnerMay 13, 2024

Opinion

South Korea’s hostility to LGBT issues is a failure to uphold basic human rights

The ROK is out of step with its Western peers even Asian neighbors and must reflect on how it treats sexual minorities

Philip TurnerMarch 19, 2024

Analysis

Tourism recovery sees China nudging tourists from South Korea, other US allies

As post-pandemic travel recovers, China encourages citizens to visit Global South rather than ‘unfriendly’ countries

Philip TurnerFebruary 8, 2024

Analysis

South Korea faces dilemma after US fails to deliver own watered-down trade pact

Washington’s wavering commitment to Indo-Pacific Economic Framework puts pressure on partners and opens door for China

Philip TurnerNovember 17, 2023

Analysis

How escalating Gaza conflict tests South Korea’s Middle Eastern diplomacy

From trade agreements to defense concerns, South Korea grapples with complex diplomatic realities

Philip TurnerNovember 7, 2023

Opinion

G20 Summit revealed a complex multipolar world that South Korea must navigate

India’s diplomatic triumph showed neither America nor China can dominate, posing new challenges for US-focused Seoul

Philip TurnerSeptember 21, 2023

Opinion

South Korea’s quest for global pivotal status: A leap or overreach?

South Korea’s potential ascension to a global pivotal state involves navigating complex geopolitical realities and risks

Philip TurnerJuly 28, 2023

Analysis

How South Korea’s burgeoning arms industry shakes up NATO dynamics

Increased ROK defense exports poised to shift its influence within NATO as Yoon gears up for his second summit

Philip TurnerJuly 7, 2023

Analysis

Pacific promise: South Korea charts an ambitious course in an emerging region

Despite recent summit success, challenges lie ahead as Seoul seeks to raise its profile among island states

Philip TurnerJune 30, 2023

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