The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Strategic Clarity: Reassessing the Value of China to Korea
English Summary
CSIS analysis argues that South Korea’s current strategic ambiguity with China, characterized by balancing US relations while maintaining ties with Beijing, is increasingly detrimental. The report highlights a shift from vertical economic complementarity to intense competition, fueled by China’s industrial advancements and coercive economic practices, exemplified by the THAAD response and ongoing reliance on Chinese rare earth minerals. Furthermore, China’s support for North Korea has evolved from a cautious approach to actively hindering denuclearization efforts. This shift necessitates a move to strategic clarity for Seoul, recognizing China’s competitive interests and potential destabilizing influence, particularly concerning North Korea.
中文摘要
美國戰略研究中心（CSIS）的分析認為，韓國目前對中國的戰略模糊性，即在平衡與美國關係的同時維持與北京的聯繫，日益有害無形。報告指出，從垂直的經濟互補關係轉變為由中國的工業進步和強製經濟實踐所推動的激烈競爭，例如針對薩德事件的反應以及持續依賴中國稀土礦產。此外，中國對朝鮮的支持已從謹慎態度轉變為積極阻礙其非核化努力。這種轉變要求首爾採取戰略明確的立場，承認中國的競爭利害關係和潛在的破壞穩定影響，尤其是在朝鮮問題上。
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