[Editorial] Abe needs to consider the best approach for the future of S. Korea-Japan relations

Posted on : 2019-06-25 17:32 KST Modified on : 2019-06-25 17:32 KST
Wednesday Demonstration held in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul on Mar. 13
Wednesday Demonstration held in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul on Mar. 13

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was reported in the Japanese press on June 22 as saying that he has “a very packed schedule as chairman for the G20 Summit host country” and that he wants to “make a comprehensive decision” on the matter of South Korea-Japan summit “amid the time constraints.” He appeared to be hinting that he might not be able to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the summit, which is taking place in Osaka this weekend. It’s a deeply regrettable message that suggests he has no interest in improving South Korea-Japan relations, which are currently at a low.

When the G20 Summit is held, the leader of the host country typically holds a series of bilateral talks with the leaders of the other countries attending. The South Korean and Japanese heads of state in particular have a precedent of holding bilateral summits almost without exception when the G20 Summit takes place. To disregard this precedent out of hand is a breach of diplomatic etiquette.

It is well known that what Abe is specifically targeting here is a South Korean Supreme Court ruling last October ordering compensation for forced labor mobilization. Indeed, he spoke the same day about the ruling being “something that should not happen under international law.” Japan’s argument is that the matter was resolved with the two sides’ 1965 Claims Settlement Agreement, and that the rest is up to Seoul to handle.

But it’s something of a logical leap to present the judicial decision of a sovereign state as a “violation of international law.” Is this supposed to suggest that the executive is in a position to somehow interfere with a judicial decision in a democratic state where the separation of powers is strictly observed? Moreover, the Japanese businesses that benefited from forced labor have never made a formal apology, let alone offered compensation. A few days ago, the Japanese government turned down a proposal from Seoul to have “consolation payments” made to the survivors from a fund with voluntary contributions from South Korean and Japanese businesses. It’s impossible to fathom just what they want to do about our bilateral ties.

Analysts see Abe’s aim with his militant stance as applying pressure on the South Korean government while rallying Japanese conservatives ahead of next month’s House of Councillors election. However important a concern domestic politics may be, we can only ask Abe whether it is really appropriate to refuse even to communicate with a neighbor who is closely tied in terms of security, economy, culture, and other areas besides.

The more difficult South Korea-Japan relations become, the greater the need is for the leaders to take action. Meeting may not lead to any agreement right away, but by simply talking to each other, they can broaden their understanding and possibly find some way toward a solution. We hope Abe will think carefully about what the best approach would be for the future of South Korea-Japan relations.

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