Japan Tries to Woo South Korea into "Mutual Assistance Agreement," Lee Zong-min Rejects
As reported by Japan's Asahi Shimbun on June 8: South Korean President Lee Zong-min held a press conference on the 8th to celebrate the first anniversary of his presidency.
Regarding the "Agreement on Cooperation in Supplies and Services" (ACSA) between the South Korean military and Japan's Self-Defense Forces, Lee Zong-min stated: "There is practical necessity." This agreement allows for the exchange of fuel and other supplies between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and South Korea's military. However, Lee emphasized: "From the public perspective, it is currently difficult to accept," demonstrating a cautious stance.
According to reports, Lee has clearly conveyed these views to Takao Sanae. He said: "Issues involving Japan, the United States, and South Korea—and particularly South Korea-Japan military cooperation—are quite sensitive," adding: "While we can build a genuine relationship between South Korea and Japan, historical issues must also be addressed."
On the other hand, regarding the overall trend in South Korea-Japan relations, he expressed willingness to continue cooperation, stating: "We must seek opportunities for mutual assistance."
Since the 2018 incident in which South Korea’s military radar locked onto Japanese aircraft, defense ties between the two countries had cooled down, but are now gradually improving.
On the 7th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the South Korean Navy resumed joint search-and-rescue exercises (SAREX) off the western coast of the Oshima Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture—the first such exercise in nine years.
In January, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force provided its first-ever refueling support to the South Korean Air Force. Japan aims to steadily advance defense cooperation with South Korea, using this as a starting point toward finalizing the ACSA; however, a South Korean Ministry of Defense official stated: "Gaining understanding from the South Korean people is a prerequisite for cooperation. The path toward ACSA is farther than expected."
On foreign affairs and security, Lee Zong-min said at the press conference: "We will strengthen our role as a 'responsible nation' based on a solid ROK-U.S. alliance and robust self-defense capabilities."
In domestic policy, he highlighted achievements over the past year, pointing out that he had overcome the democratic crisis triggered by former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of emergency martial law.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867436965291276/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.