Defense Ministers Meet in Seoul

Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani visited Republic of Korea and had a meeting with ROK Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back. It was the first time for Japanese defense minister to have a bilateral ministerial meeting in these ten years. Both ministers reconfirmed importance of trilateral security cooperation including the United States to deal with another trilateral cooperation by China, Russia and North Korea.

 

In the press conference after the meeting, Nakatani stressed importance of maintaining bilateral relationship between Japan and ROK, or Japan-ROK-U.S. relationship in a volatile security environment. Both ministers agreed on promoting discussion by both defense authorities and exchange of personnel. They also agreed on further cooperation in cutting edge technologies including artificial intelligence, unmanned system or the space. They will maintain joint exercise called “Freedom Edge,” in which multiple countries participate.

 

Their bilateral relationship slowed down under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and ROK President Moon Jae-in. in 2018, radiation of fire-control radar on an aircraft of Japan Air Self-defense Force exacerbated the bilateral security cooperation. South Korea unilaterally decided abolishment of General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2019. Moon’s successor Yoon Suk Yeol settled the dispute by avoiding determination of the fact and resumed bilateral dialogues.

 

With sincerity in historical issues as seen in his speech with “remorse” in 80th anniversary of war end, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba generated modest image on Japanese prime minister in South Korea. ROK President Lee Jae Myung succeeded basic stance of Yoon, upholding “pragmatic diplomacy.” Communication between Japan and ROK has rapidly been restored recently, sharing concerns on regional security environment.

 

Japan makes efforts for reinforcing security cooperation with like-minded countries. In the ministerial meeting with Australia, which is usually called 2 plus 2 by ministers for foreign affairs and defense, Japan and Australia acdknowledged enhancement of strategic relationship and common deterrence. They agreed on strengthening bilateral relations to deal with potential emergency which can affect sovereignty of one of them and regional security interests.

 

They also reconfirmed importance of peace and stability in Taiwan Straits, resisting unilateral change of status quo with force or coercion. As security cooperation between Japan and ROK focuses relatively on Russia-North Korea strategic alliance, the concern of Japan and Australia is concentrated in issues related to China. 

 

Nakatani had meetings with defense minister of United Kingdom in late August and of the Philippines in September. One can see Japan’s intention to enhance security framework with likeminded countries. 

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