Australia and the Republic of Korea: still allies or just good friends?

Abstract

Australia's participation in the Korean War of 1950-1953 had more to do with domestic factors and wider international considerations, than with any feelings of affinity with the Korean people. Circumstances have greatly changed since then, but some remnants of that military involvement still survive in the form of the United Nations Command (UNC) and the Sixteen Nation Declaration of 1953. While tensions between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea remain high, the possibility of the UNC becoming involved in a fresh outbreak of hostilities will always remain. Prime Minister Bob Hawke has clearly stated that Australian security interests are not directly engaged in the Korean peninsula, but considering the growth in Australia's bilateral relationship with the Republic of Korea s{nce the war and the alliances both countries now share with the United States, Australia would face a difficult decision should there be another security crisis in Kore a, and Australian assistance once again be sought.