Southeast Asian Nations Increasingly Rely on South Korean Weapons Amid Rising Tensions in the South China Sea

Political Risks and Cost-Effectiveness Make South Korea an Attractive Alternative to China

Amid growing tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Southeast Asian nations are turning to South Korean-made weapons as they increase military spending. According to Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP), this shift is largely due to South Korea’s ability to offer highly competitive weapons with good performance at a reasonable cost, while avoiding the political risks associated with suppliers like China.

Growing Military Spending in Southeast Asia and the Shift to South Korean Arms

Southeast Asian nations, faced with escalating tensions in the South China Sea, are seeking new arms suppliers. China has historically been a key provider of weapons to this region, but as geopolitical friction grows, countries are increasingly looking to alternative suppliers. SCMP noted that the rapid expansion of South Korean weapons in Southeast Asia is largely due to their attractive balance of affordability, performance, and minimal political risk.

The South China Sea is a hotspot for territorial disputes, with China claiming sovereignty over approximately 90% of the area, a claim that has led to ongoing conflicts with several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. These tensions have prompted many nations to reconsider their defense strategies and diversify their arms suppliers.

Philippines Leads the Way as South Korean Arms Market Expands

Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for South Korean defense products. The Philippines already operates South Korean-made FA-50 fighter jets, which were introduced in 2014, and the country is now negotiating to purchase 12 more. Additionally, it is expected to deploy over 12 South Korean-made vessels, including six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), by 2028.

Vietnam, which has long used Soviet-era weapons, is also turning to South Korea for defense technology. Vietnam is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations for the purchase of around 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. This move indicates a broader trend in the region, where countries are increasingly considering South Korean defense systems as a viable alternative to Chinese and Western weapons.

Thailand’s Shift from Chinese Military Hardware to South Korean Options

Thailand, traditionally one of China’s largest arms customers in Southeast Asia, is also reconsidering its military procurement strategy. Thailand had entered into a contract with China in 2017 to acquire three S26T Yuan-class submarines. However, due to complications involving the European Union's ban on arms exports to China, which prevented the delivery of German-made engines for the submarines, Thailand effectively canceled the deal in 2023. This shift further opens the door for South Korean defense products to fill the void left by Chinese weapons in the region.

Experts suggest that while China previously leveraged its economic ties and shared political interests with Southeast Asian nations to secure arms deals, these factors are no longer as influential. The growing distrust of China, particularly in light of the South China Sea disputes, has led to an increased preference for Western-standard weapons systems, and South Korean-made weapons are emerging as an attractive alternative in this context.

Advantages of South Korean Weapons: Quality, Affordability, and Political Stability

One of the primary reasons Southeast Asian nations are turning to South Korean weapons is the combination of high quality and affordability. Compared to Western weapons, South Korean arms offer a more cost-effective option without compromising on performance. As military spending in the region increases due to security concerns, countries are eager to find weapons suppliers that offer both economic value and reliable performance.

Additionally, South Korea’s relative political neutrality in Southeast Asia is a significant advantage. While purchasing weapons from countries like the U.S., China, or Russia can heighten geopolitical tensions, South Korean arms do not carry the same political baggage. As a result, countries in the region view South Korea as a less risky and more stable option.

Political Trust and the Appeal of South Korean Soft Power in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, South Korea is not perceived as a geopolitical threat, which adds to the political trust countries place in its arms exports. Colin Koh, a senior fellow at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, highlighted that South Korea’s appeal lies in its lack of historical and political baggage, making it an ideal partner for military cooperation. The influence of South Korean culture, or "soft power," further enhances its attractiveness in the region, helping the country gain political and economic cooperation in both military and civilian sectors.

Timothy Heath, a senior researcher at the U.S. think tank RAND Corporation, also emphasized that South Korea’s arms deals are seen as less risky compared to those involving China or the U.S., giving the country an advantageous position in navigating the geopolitical tensions between these two global powers. By capitalizing on this unique position, South Korea is poised to become a more prominent supplier of military hardware in Southeast Asia.

As tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise, Southeast Asian nations are increasingly turning to South Korean arms manufacturers for their defense needs. The combination of high-quality, affordable weapons and minimal political risk makes South Korea an increasingly attractive option, positioning the country as a key player in the region’s defense landscape.