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How Trump’s America helped China and South Korea become friends again
Zhang Baohui says the rapprochement between Beijing and Seoul, after relations were damaged over THAAD, has much to do with a more moderate Chinese foreign policy, inspired in no small part by the erosion of American soft power under an isolationist Donald Trump
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![Zhang Baohui says the rapprochement between Beijing and Seoul, after relations were damaged over THAAD, has much to do with a more moderate Chinese foreign policy, inspired in no small part by the erosion of American soft power under an isolationist Donald Trump](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/images/methode/2017/12/12/e5422fe8-df1a-11e7-af98-bc68401a7f65_image_hires_181356.jpg?itok=TijLB4C-&v=1513073638)
![Multiple factors have contributed to the China-South Korea rapprochement. The most important concerns Beijing’s shift towards a softer foreign policy. Illustration: Craig Stephens Multiple factors have contributed to the China-South Korea rapprochement. The most important concerns Beijing’s shift towards a softer foreign policy. Illustration: Craig Stephens](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/images/methode/2017/12/12/e5422fe8-df1a-11e7-af98-bc68401a7f65_972x_181356.jpg)
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However, the Moon administration has restored the bilateral relationship. It is reported that South Korea made a “Three No’s” promise to Beijing to improve the relationship. Seoul promised it would not seek further expansion of THAAD, would not be integrated into US-led missile defence systems, and would never participate in a trilateral military alliance with the US and Japan.
In return, Beijing agreed to fully restore bilateral ties by ending hidden sanctions and by inviting Moon to visit China this week.
Multiple factors have contributed to the rapprochement. The most important one concerns China’s shift towards a softer foreign policy.
Moon Jae-in hopes to rebuild trust during visit to China
Why South Korea’s promises on THAAD and a US-Japan alliance are so important to China
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