For this issue, four distinguished scholars have contributed their essays. The first essay, “US-China Hegemonic Rivalry and South Korea’s Response,” is written by Professor Gong Min-seok (Jeju National University). The second essay, “Future of Regional Cooperation in Northeast Asia and South Korea’s Vision,” is contributed by Dr. Eunmi Choi (Asan Institute for Policy Studies). Each essay examines how South Korea should respond to the shift in international dynamics due to the intensifying US-China competition and why and how South Korea should continue to pursue multilateral cooperation in East Asia despite several obstacles.

The other two essays also cover interesting topics that attract our attention. The third essay contributed by Professor Lee Sanghyun (Myongji University), “United Nations City Initiative on the Tumen River Estuary,” suggests the idea of building “United Nations City” as means to achieve peace on the Korean peninsula. The final essay, “China’s Expansion of Economic Leverage on Africa and Its Implications for South Korea,” written by Professor Jeheung Ryu (Ehwa Womans University), explains how China is increasing its economic influence in Africa, how the Sino-African relations are strengthening, and its implications to South Korea.

Contents

Chapter 1. US-China Hegemonic Rivalry and South Korea’s Response

Chapter 2. Future of Regional Cooperation in Northeast Asia and South Korea’s Vision

Chapter 3. United Nations City Initiative on the Tumen River Estuary

Chapter 4: China’s Expansion of Economic Leverage on Africa and Its Implications for South Korea