South Korea Could Support Taiwan in a Dual Contingency
“With tensions rising in East Asia, the likelihood of a dual contingency—both in the Taiwan Strait and on the Korean Peninsula—is far from a hypothetical scenario…”
“Given South Korea’s high dependence on international trade, its economic viability hinges on securing SLOCs [Sea Lines Of Communication]. Roughly 90 percent of South Korea’s oil imports transit through the South China Sea, including key chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait, the Bashi Channel, and the Luzon Strait. These maritime routes are located near the Taiwan Strait and are essential for South Korea’s access to Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian energy. Any conflict in these areas would result in significant strategic consequences. In a Taiwan contingency, such routes would likely be contested by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).”
“In this context, deploying South Korean Navy (ROKN) assets—including destroyers, submarines, and support vessels—would achieve two purposes: this could safeguard South Korea’s economic lifelines and contribute as a participant in a naval coalition aiming to counter China’s efforts to dominate strategic waterways. Although such efforts by South Korea would not amount to direct combat, they would undoubtedly play a crucial role in bolstering regional deterrence and improving the operational flexibility of allied naval forces.”
Source: Global Taiwan