A U.S. think tank has suggested that the U.S. government should play an expanded role beyond expressing support for the resolution of the long-standing political conflict between South Korea and Japan by suggesting a solution to the issue of forced labor during the Japanese occupation (conscription), in other words, provide substantial compensation.
The U.S. diplomacy and security think tank Pacific Forum published an article titled “How South Korea-Japan Reconciliation Continues” in a recent report. , reported that relations between the two countries had improved.
However, the report said, “President Yoon’s action is being criticized by skeptics of Japan in the opposition party, who occupy an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea,” and “is not supported even by the younger generation who distrust China.” He added, “(This) deal that the conservative government reached without majority support will be easily reversed by a progressive successor in the future.”
At the same time, he argued that in order for the triangular cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan to be solid against threats from China and North Korea, friendly relations between Korea and Japan must be maintained. “By taking long-overdue measures, the US can play an expanded role beyond expressing support (for improving South Korea-Japan relations),” the report said.
As an example, the report cited the issue of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which came into effect last December, and said, “The US Congress in 2022 will not be able to keep factories in the US mainland because of legislation for ‘reshoring’ (return of overseas manufacturing companies). There was a side effect of making subsidies invalid for Korean and Japanese manufacturing companies that were trying to do so,” he pointed out.
“These companies had to receive compensation (subsidies, etc.) regardless of the relationship between Korea and Japan,” he said.
In addition, the report emphasized that the US government should actively support South Korea’s participation in Quad, a security consultative body of the four countries of the United States, Japan, Australia and India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In this regard, “If the Quad does not make Korea the fifth member country, it is necessary to deepen cooperation by involving Korea in the form of’Quad Plus’.” However, in order to check China’s influence in the future, we must support South Korea’s participation.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.