Jeju: South Korea and Japan should enhance dialogue and coordination on shared security and economic challenges, particularly in light of U.S. tariff measures, as these efforts would be mutually beneficial amid uncertain policy directions in Washington, a former senior Japanese diplomat has stated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kenichiro Sasae, who served as Japan's vice foreign minister from 2008-2010, emphasized the importance of joint responses from Tokyo and Seoul in dealing with potential shifts under a second Donald Trump administration. Sasae made these comments during a media roundtable on Jeju Island, where he was attending the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.
Sasae suggested that both nations could benefit from exchanging views and coordinating responses to Trump's policy moves, particularly concerning security and economic issues. He highlighted shared concerns over Trump's tariff hikes and the burden-sharing arrangement with the United States for the stationing of American troops as potential areas for cooperation that could elevate bilateral relations beyond current security and economic ties.
Sasae also pointed out areas such as nuclear energy and natural gas where Japan and South Korea could jointly pursue shared interests by working together. He emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue to prevent historical issues from Japan's colonial rule over Korea from negatively impacting bilateral relations.
Reflecting on his diplomatic career, Sasae recalled his involvement in the 1998 joint declaration between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and Japanese Prime Minister Kenzo Obuchi, which aimed to overcome historical grievances and build new relations. He noted that while progress has been made, there are still areas where the declaration has fallen short.
Sasae underlined the significance of continued shuttle diplomacy between the heads of state and expressed hope that South Korea's upcoming presidential election would lead to further progress in bilateral relations. He stressed the need for the next South Korean leader to build upon past achievements rather than overturn them, urging that historical issues be addressed based on prior diplomatic efforts.