At Beijing's Zhongguancun Forum this week, South Korean business leaders are charting a strategic pivot toward China's tech ecosystem as U.S. auto tariffs reshape global trade dynamics. The 25% U.S. levy on imported vehicles and parts – effective since June – has accelerated efforts by Seoul-based firms to diversify supply chains and secure critical technological partnerships.
The Robotics Revolution Beckons
Humanoid robotics emerged as a focal point of discussions, with China's dual strengths in advanced manufacturing and AI application drawing heightened interest. Kim Jong-moon, head of the Korea Innovation Center in China, told CGTN: "We're witnessing complementary advantages – China's production scalability aligns with South Korea's precision engineering capabilities."
Market Resilience in Focus
Industry analysts highlight China's expanding middle-class consumer base as a key stabilizer against Western protectionist measures. Recent data shows over 60% of South Korea's robotics component exports now flow to Asian markets, up from 45% in 2020.
The forum has yielded preliminary agreements on joint R&D initiatives, with several Seoul-based firms confirming test production lines in Guangdong province. As geopolitical winds shift, these cross-border collaborations may redefine next-gen manufacturing standards across Asia.
