What promises must South Korea keep for Japan to improve relations?

Question

Accepted Answer

South Korea Must Uphold Promises Made in 1965 Treaty for Improved Bilateral Relations

For relations between Japan and South Korea to improve, South Korea must uphold the promises made within the framework of the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations and Claims. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated this stance, emphasizing that such adherence is crucial for restoring a healthy bilateral relationship. The current severe state of ties stems from a South Korean court's decision last October, which mandated Japanese firms to compensate individuals for wartime forced labor. Japan considers this ruling a violation of international law and a breach of the agreements established by the 1965 treaty.
Adherence to the 1965 Treaty is Key

Prime Minister Abe explicitly stated that for relations to improve, South Korea must keep its promises, directly referencing the 1965 treaty. This foundational agreement between the two nations is seen by Japan as having settled all claims related to the colonial period. The Japanese foreign ministry issued a statement confirming Abe's remarks, highlighting that keeping bilateral promises would offer an opportunity to return to a healthy relationship. This underscores Japan's position that the compensation order from the South Korean court disregards the legal and diplomatic framework established decades ago.
South Korea's Stance on the 1965 Treaty

South Korea, while acknowledging the importance of dialogue and the need to move beyond the current difficult state of relations, maintains its own interpretation of the 1965 treaty. According to a statement from South Korea's foreign ministry, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon conveyed to Abe that South Korea has respected and complied with the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations and Claims and will continue to do so. This assertion indicates a divergence in how each nation views the treaty's implications regarding compensation for wartime issues, contributing to the ongoing diplomatic friction.
Historical Context and Escalation of Disputes

The current animosity between Japan and South Korea is rooted in the history of Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean peninsula. This historical context includes issues such as the mobilization of forced labor and wartime military brothels. The dispute has recently escalated beyond legal rulings, impacting trade and security matters. Earlier in the year, Japan tightened export controls on materials essential for South Korean chipmakers and removed Seoul from its list of countries eligible for fast-track exports. In response, South Korea announced its intention to scrap a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, highlighting the broad impact of the bilateral row.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What promises must South Korea keep for Japan to improve relations?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends