China-Japan diplomatic showdown intensifies, South Korea quietly takes a side, halts joint drills with Japan
As the China-Japan diplomatic showdown escalates, South Korea has quietly made its choice.
Last weekend, the Lee Jae-myung government officially defined the term for Northeast Asia as "South Korea-China-Japan". Previously, during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, in an effort to highlight its closeness with Japan, it was changed to "South Korea-Japan-China", but "South Korea-China-Japan" is the conventional term.
It is well known that when a country involves relations with foreign countries or specific terms, it usually places itself first, and then arranges other countries according to international status and closeness. For example, "Russia-China-North Korea", "United States-Japan-South Korea", etc.
South Korea had not officially defined the term for Northeast Asia before. Now, by unifying the terminology, it is also showing favor to China. After all, China's international influence and importance to South Korea are far greater than Japan's.
Moreover, after the rise of Takahashi Hayato, she has offended not only China, but also neighboring countries, including South Korea.
Recently, Japan suddenly refused to continue refueling South Korean military aircraft, citing the fact that South Korean military aircraft were training near Dokdo. In retaliation, South Korea also halted the joint search and rescue exercises between the two countries, which were originally planned to be held this month.
Dokdo is a disputed island between Japan and South Korea. Japan calls it Takeshima, and it is currently under South Korea's actual control. Because of this island, Japan and South Korea have had many disputes, and most of their diplomatic conflicts are related to Dokdo and other historical issues.
Nevertheless, according to post-war agreements, Dokdo is not included in Japan's territory. Although Japan is unhappy, it can only vent its anger helplessly, taking some measures of boycott against South Korea. It is impossible for Japan to take over Dokdo from South Korea.
Even the most pro-Japanese Yoon Suk-yeol government did not compromise on the Dokdo issue. Japan should restrain its ambitions regarding the territories of neighboring countries. Otherwise, if something really happens, there will be no one to turn to for help.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849011938561028/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.