{"id":2203524,"date":"2024-01-18T19:56:13","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T10:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203524"},"modified":"2024-01-19T18:50:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T09:50:11","slug":"south-korea-contemplates-defense-role-in-red-sea-tensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/south-korea-contemplates-defense-role-in-red-sea-tensions\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea contemplates defense role in Red Sea tensions"},"content":{"rendered":"
Houthi rebels\u2019 repeated attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea have triggered a <\/span>military response<\/span><\/a> from a U.S.-led international coalition aiming to safeguard crucial shipping lanes. As more ships have <\/span>come under attack<\/span><\/a> by Houthis missiles and drones, South Korea is reportedly weighing the deployment of its <\/span>Cheonghae Unit<\/span><\/a>, a naval task force operating under <\/span>Combined Task Force 151<\/span><\/a> in the adjacent Gulf of Aden, as part of a broader commitment to the coalition’s efforts against the Houthi insurgents.<\/span><\/p>\n In a move that could have broad consequences for Seoul, a senior South Korean official <\/span>reportedly stated<\/span><\/a> on Jan. 14 that Seoul might extend its role beyond mere protective duties if the military conflict in the Red Sea escalates.<\/span><\/p>\n The official elaborated that while it is unlikely that South Korean forces will engage in direct military strikes against the Houthis, South Korea\u2019s support could take the form of defensive operations, notably intercepting Houthi drones.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cheonghae Unit, under the mandate approved by South Korea\u2019s National Defense Committee, primarily aims to ensure the safety of national vessels in the region. However, local media outlets have stated that its operational scope includes participation in maritime security operations led by the <\/span>Combined Maritime Forces<\/span><\/a> (CMF) and the EU, especially in contingencies.<\/span><\/p>\n STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS<\/b><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s potential decision to join coalition forces\u2019 attacks against the Houthi rebels will require Seoul to consider how the action will impact its relations with Russia and Iran. Russia shares a <\/span>strategic partnership<\/span><\/a> with Iran, a <\/span>key supporter<\/span><\/a> of the Houthis, meaning Seoul is wading into a sensitive diplomatic landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n Involvement in the coalition could further strain South Korea\u2019s diplomatic and trade relations with these nations. Russia <\/span>branded<\/span><\/a> South Korea an \u201cunfriendly country\u201d in March 2022 after Seoul joined international sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Seoul\u2019s relations with Tehran also hit a low point in Jan. 2023 when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol referred to Iran as the United Arab Emirates\u2019 <\/span>enemy<\/span><\/a> in off-the-cuff remarks while visiting South Korean troops stationed in the UAE.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While South Korea\u2019s trade with Iran has <\/span>plummeted<\/span><\/a> since 2018, when the Trump administration reimposed sanctions after unilaterally <\/span>withdrawing<\/span><\/a> from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, <\/span>energy trade<\/span><\/a> between the ROK and Russia remains robust.<\/span><\/p>\n Conversely, active participation \u2014 even if only in defensive operations \u2014 would strengthen South Korea\u2019s alliance with the U.S. and affirm its <\/span>commitment<\/span><\/a> to safeguarding maritime trade routes, a stance that aligns with Western interests in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n The move could also enhance South Korea\u2019s global alliances and partnerships, thereby aiding its ability to guard against North Korean aggression.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSouth Korea\u2019s involvement would significantly enhance its leverage over North Korea\u2019s nuclear issue,\u201d Ban Kil-joo, a professor at the Ilmin International Relations Institute at Korea University, told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWithout nuclear weapons of our own, dealing with North Korea meant we often had to concede to Pyongyang\u2019s demands. The strategy has now shifted to involve the international community. By participating in the multinational force, we can increase our leverage in dealing with North Korea\u2019s nuclear issue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In contemplating this decision, South Korea is weighing the diplomatic risks of participation against the benefits of reinforcing alliances and contributing to regional stability, potentially reshaping Seoul\u2019s diplomatic interactions and global standing.<\/span><\/p>\n