2013: Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
The US does not recognise China’s unilateral declaration of ADIZ over the East China Sea. Australia criticises ADIZ as destabilising. South Korea seeks to cut a separate deal with China.
2015: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
China creates a new infrastructure investment bank for development projects around the world. Australia and South Korea join as charter members.
2018: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The BRI is a massive, multi-national infrastructure development initiative by China connecting Eurasian continent through road, maritime, technology corridors. Australia’s national government does not join, though the state of Victoria signs BRI deal. South Korea does not join but expresses interest.
2018: Huawei
The US calls on allies to exclude the Chinese telecom firm from 5G networks for security reasons. Australia excludes Huawei from its 5G network (before the US does). South Korea allows Huawei into its 5G market.
2017—2018: Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
FOIP is a US strategy in support of an open, rules-based international order in Asia. Australia supports FOIP. South Korea does not explicitly support FOIP.
2015—2020: South China Sea (SCS)
The US opposes China’s island-building campaign in the South China Sea, declaring it unlawful. Australia also supports the international court ruling. South Korea does not openly oppose China’s SCS campaign.
2019: Blue Dot Network
The US proposes an alliance of countries to promote responsible development assistance (vis-à-vis China). Australia joins as charter member. South Korea does not join.
2020: Economic Prosperity Network (EPN)
EPN is a US-led initiative for supply chain diversification out of China. The network dovetails with Australia’s “reshoring” initiative. South Korea has not explicitly supported it.
2020: Hong Kong
The US opposes Chinese suppression of political rights in Hong Kong. Australia joins with the US, the UK and Canada in being critical of Chinese actions. South Korea does not comment on the issue.
2020: Covid-19
The US calls for an investigation into origins of the pandemic in China. Australia also calls for WHO to investigate. South Korea does not.