To counter existential threats from Russia, China, and the United States, European nations must build strategic alliances with East Asian democracies, according to Leiden University scholars Remco Breuker and Casper Wits. In their recently published book, De kracht van middenmacht. Het belang van Zuid-Korea, Taiwan en Japan voor onze democratische toekomst, the researchers argue that Brussels and The Hague can no longer rely solely on transatlantic ties or view Asia solely through a Chinese lens.
Geopolitical Pressures and the Rise of Middle Powers
Europe faces compounding pressures as the war in Ukraine persists, Chinese economic competition intensifies, and Washington threatens trade restrictions. Breuker and Wits argue that middle powers—states large enough to wield international influence yet too small to dictate global rules—must coordinate their actions. As Breuker notes, if South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the European Union, and Canada align on a direction, global outcomes follow. The plural of a middle power, in effect, is a superpower.
Did you know?
Until 2008, the Netherlands maintained a higher volume of trade with South Korea than it did with China, illustrating deep historical and economic ties in the region.
Shared Democratic Values and Security Realities
Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea represent the three most successful non-Western democracies, proving that human rights and democratic governance are not exclusively Western concepts. Wits points out that because Taiwan and South Korea emerged from dictatorial pasts, they possess a deep-seated commitment to defending their freedoms against external coercion.
Unlike Europe, however, these East Asian nations remain tethered to an unpredictable United States for security. Caught between China, Russia, and Washington, they have no alternative but to work collectively. Japan has already taken a proactive approach; following a 2010 and 2012 trade dispute where Beijing cut off rare earth metal supplies, Tokyo actively diversified its supply chains, reducing its vulnerability compared to Europe.
Strengthening Dutch and European Ties with Asia
Diplomatic and institutional links between Europe and East Asia are expanding. The EU established a free trade agreement with Japan in 2019, while Italy and the United Kingdom are collaborating with Tokyo on next-generation fighter jet development. NATO has also intensified cooperation with Japan.
Domestically, the authors contend that Dutch foreign policy suffers from institutional neglect regarding the region. Wits notes that the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently employs just a single official to handle political relations with Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a middle power in geopolitical terms?
A middle power is a sovereign state that holds significant international influence but lacks the unilateral dominance of a superpower. When multiple middle powers collaborate, they can effectively shape global standards and economic policies.
Why do Breuker and Wits advocate for closer ties with Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea?
These nations share democratic values, protect human rights, and possess advanced strategies for countering disinformation and economic coercion. Partnering with them offers Europe a vital counterbalance to authoritarian pressures from China and Russia.
What economic connections already exist between the Netherlands and East Asia?
Key technological and industrial partnerships link the regions, notably the supply chain ecosystem between Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML and South Korean tech giant Samsung.
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