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Former US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert gives a keynote speech during the International Seapower Symposium in Seoul on Sept. 3. (Yonhap News)

Former US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert called for a stronger partnership between South Korea and the US in remarks on Sept. 3, predicting that changing dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region would usher in fundamental changes over the next decades.

Lippert’s remarks came in a keynote speech that day at the International Seapower Symposium, an event jointly organized by the South Korean Navy, Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, and Sea Lanes of Communication Study Group–Korea at Seoul’s Lotte Hotel. Noting the professionalism and concrete successes of the South Korea-US alliance, he predicted that it could claim an even more favorable position within that process. Lippert served as US Ambassador to South Korea under the Barack Obama administration from October 2014 until the inauguration of current US President Donald Trump in January 2017.

Mentioning China, India, and Indonesia as major agents of change in the Asia-Pacific region, Lippert predicted the stronger alliances and partnerships could be established in the region if those countries adopt an approach rooted in a rule-based international order. He went on to name five elements of power that would undergo reorganization in the region: diplomatic policy, dynamics, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, economic strength, and population. Regarding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he noted that South Korea and the US boast the world’s top experts, commercial technology, and innovation centers in terms of research and development.

Lippert remained quiet on the resumption of denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington and the issues raised with the US’ expression of “strong concern and disappointment” following South Korea’s announcement that it was pulling out of its General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Japan. Toward the end of his speech, Lippert said he would not comment on North Korea because he did not want to give the false impression that Pyongyang was being threatening or that the US was disregarding Pyongyang.

The theme of this year’s International Seapower Symposium – the event’s 14th edition – was “enhancing maritime security cooperation for peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.” It was attended by around 300 people, including security experts and oceanographers from eight countries (South Korea, the US, the UK, China, India, Germany, Japan, and Norway) and military officers from 18 countries. In an opening address, South Korean Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Shim Seong-sup noted the competition about countries in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue maritime sovereignty and interests.

“We need to identify the best ways of maximizing everyone’s interests, pursuing cooperation rather than competition and trust rather than conflict,” he stressed.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

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