Deeper naval collaboration to mark the 60th anniversary of Australia – Republic of Korea diplomatic relations
By John Blaxland
As 60 years of diplomatic ties between Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are celebrated in 2021, it is worth revisiting some of the common ties, as well as its shared history, interests and capabilities. Australia and the ROK are both US treaty allies with a range of points of intersecting interests, values and experiences that rarely get the attention they deserve. With the ROK Navy acquiring aircraft-carrying ships and the ROK pursuing a “Look South” policy, in pursuit of diplomatic, security and trade initiatives, a more useful point of comparison than Australia and its navy is hard to find.
