The Republic of Korea Is a Key Partner for the United States in Artificial Intelligence Competition with China

This paper is intended for a broad audience of policymakers and national security and technology experts and researchers as they grapple with how best to advance U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific. 

The author argues that the Republic of Korea (ROK) is a key partner for the United States in its artificial intelligence (AI) competition with China. The ROK, which shares key values and threat perceptions with the United States and has its own substantial AI ambitions, possesses advanced AI models, companies, university research labs, and experts; the ability to control market access and inputs to the AI supply chain; and the soft power to help shape global norms and technology standards. This paper highlights opportunities for the United States to collaborate with the ROK on private-sector AI development and military dimensions of AI and synchronize diplomatic approaches by leveraging the ROK’s relationships with other influential nations, including the United Arab Emirates; Saudi Arabia; Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam; India; Japan; and Taiwan. The author recommends that the United States and the ROK block Chinese AI firms from operating in their markets on grounds of national security and reciprocity, deepen collaboration on the AI supply chain while restricting or closing off China’s access to advanced AI inputs, tighten security at universities and AI research labs, and enhance their cooperation on the military dimensions of AI while coordinating on diplomatic approaches to advance standards of AI safety. Rapidly taking steps to broaden and deepen cooperation with the ROK should be a priority for U.S. policymakers looking to compete successfully with China on AI.