The Sino-ROK chilli pepper trade prior to the establishment of diplomatic relations (1974–1978)

• Published in: Cold war history Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 475 - 490
• Main Authors: Liu, Chang, Chen, Lijuan, Chen, Yuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Ltd 01-08-2024
• Subjects: Attitudes; Communism; Diplomacy; Diplomatic recognition; Foreign policy; Imports; Trade policy; South Korea; China
• ISSN: 1468-2745; 1743-7962
• DOI: 10.1080/14682745.2024.2333803

As the international environment evolved and de-escalated in the 1970s, South Korea (the Republic of Korea, or ROK) adjusted its foreign policy to allow trade with communist governments. In 1974, South Korea attempted to import chilli peppers from the People’s Republic of China, aiming to open a path to dialogue and improve relations. However, the first effort to initiate trade failed due to the Chinese government’s indifferent attitude and trade demands from opponents on both sides. South Korea tried to import Chinese chilli peppers for a second time in 1978. This time, the transaction was successful via indirect trading, thanks to changes in China’s foreign policy and its softening attitude towards South Korea. The success of the Chinese chilli pepper trade in 1978 established a more feasible trade paradigm for China and South Korea in advance of the diplomatic recognition between the two countries. This trade in chilli peppers was directly influenced by the China–South Korea relationship and reflects the complex and subtle changes between the two countries ahead of the establishment of diplomatic relations.