1、 Introduction of the problem

Discussed the United States' view of China as a strategic competitor in the context of China's rise, as well as its competition with China in the field of technology, especially in the semiconductor industry. The United States emphasizes the importance of technological innovation through the "Endless Frontier Act" and requires support from allied countries to counter China. South Korea, as an important ally of the United States and a medium-sized country with a high level of ICT development, plays a key role in the semiconductor industry chain. The chapter analyzes the dilemma of South Korea in the technological competition between China and the United States, that is, relying on the United States for security and China for economy, and explores possible policy choices for South Korea and their impact on the economic relationship between China and South Korea. In addition, the concept of "asymmetric dependence" has been introduced, proposing a framework for analyzing the relationship between medium-sized countries and their dependence on major powers in the context of great power competition, emphasizing the impact of the degree of "asymmetric dependence" on the policy choices of medium-sized countries.

2、 Analysis Framework - Asymmetric Dependency under Trilateral Relationship

Explored the concept of "asymmetric dependence" in economic relations between countries and analyzed how this dependence relationship becomes a source of state power. In the economic field, countries with lower levels of dependence can use this relationship to exert pressure on countries with higher levels of dependence. The article reveals the overall dependence of a medium-sized country's economy on another country by evaluating the degree of "asymmetric dependence" of its core industries. Taking South Korea, Singapore, and Australia as examples, it illustrates how medium-sized countries rely on a core industry. In the context of great power competition, the policy choices of medium-sized countries are influenced by the degree of "asymmetric dependence" of their core industries on the two major countries. If a medium-sized country has a high degree of dependence on a major country and is on par with a security dependent major country, it will strengthen cooperation with that major country; If there is a high degree of dependence on both major countries or if the dependent major country is different from the security dependent major country, a policy of refusing to choose sides and taking sides will be adopted.

3、 The degree of asymmetric dependence and strategic vulnerability of South Korea's semiconductor industry on China and the United States

An in-depth analysis was conducted on the degree of asymmetric dependence and strategic vulnerability of the Korean semiconductor industry in the context of technological competition between China and the United States. The semiconductor industry in South Korea has made a huge contribution to the national economy, accounting for as much as 25% to 30% of GDP, and its technological advantages have significantly enhanced South Korea's international status. However, South Korea is highly dependent on the United States in areas such as chip design software, intellectual property nuclear, and manufacturing equipment, especially the dominant position of American companies in electronic design automation software and intellectual property nuclear supply, as well as their technological monopoly in wafer manufacturing equipment. Although China has demonstrated substitution capabilities in certain manufacturing equipment fields, there is still a significant gap between China and the international advanced level in key technologies such as high-end lithography machines, resulting in South Korea's high asymmetric dependence on the United States.

4、 Policy choices and prospects of South Korea in the context of the restructuring of the semiconductor industry chain in the United States

Analyzed South Korea's semiconductor industry policy choices and prospects in the context of technological competition between China and the United States. The South Korean semiconductor industry has a high dependence on American technology and equipment, while its dependence on the Chinese market and raw materials is limited. The United States has strategic influence over South Korea, and South Korea is also concerned about the United States reducing its alliance commitments. The United States has warned South Korea that using Huawei 5G equipment will affect information sharing and security assistance. South Korea's policy choices include: 1) cooperating with the US global semiconductor strategy, strengthening industrial and economic cooperation, such as joining the "Quad Alliance for Chips" and expanding its role in the global industrial chain; 2) Promote the gradual decoupling of the semiconductor industry from China, develop economic diversification, and reduce dependence on China; 3) Develop the semiconductor industry, enhance international influence, and strengthen industrial autonomy. South Korea's independent strategy may intensify its dependence on major powers. South Korea's decoupling from the Chinese economy will affect regional order and exacerbate regional tensions. China needs to strengthen industrial cooperation with South Korea and maintain an open international order.