South Korea’s AI revolution is forcing a US–China balancing act (Afeeya Akhand – East Asia Forum)

South Korea’s ‘AI for All’ agenda aims to build a sovereign AI ecosystem and propel the country into the world’s top three AI powers. Enhanced AI capabilities will help South Korea address its demographic decline and boost productivity, in addition to strengthening national security and cyber defence. Amid its rapid AI development, South Korea has also ramped up its cooperation with the United States on defence technologies and regional initiatives — a move that risks complicating South Korea’s ties with China and tests South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s ‘pragmatic diplomacy’.

South Korea’s AI revolution is forcing a US–China balancing act | East Asia Forum