Japan and South Korea, as well as the Western world, are aligned with the United States out of concern over the Chinese regime’s aggressive actions in the region.
All three countries at the meeting said that promoting practical trilateral cooperation is important for the peace and prosperity of the region and beyond.
In response to North Korea’s launch of a military spy satellite, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa pointed out that to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and fully implement a United Nations Security Council resolution, it is necessary to take firm countermeasures.
Although she did not mention China, the remark was undoubtedly directed at China since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a staunch ally of North Korea.
Speaking about North Korea’s launch of military spy satellites, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said that it threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, which is a common interest of the three countries and a necessary condition for peace and stability in the region.
He expressed hope that the three countries would hold in-depth discussions to solve the problem.
Mr. Wang also said that China opposes “drawing ideological lines” in trilateral cooperation and resists “dividing regional cooperation into ideological camps”. It is widely believed that these remarks were directed at the U.S.-Japan-South Korea alliance.
Challenges in Japan and China’s Cooperation
There are many ongoing disputes between Japan and China, including territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands, Japan’s release of treated radioactive water, China’s import ban on Japanese seafood products, and the arbitrary detention of Japanese citizens in China.During the meeting, Mr. Wang referred to the treated radioactive water as “nuclear-contaminated water“ and said that Japan’s discharge of such “nuclear-contaminated water” into the ocean was an irresponsible act. The CCP expressed the need to set up an independent panel for supervision and investigation.
South Korea, China’s Unresolved Differences
On Nov. 26, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin urged China to play a “constructive role” in preventing North Korea’s deepening of military cooperation with Russia, its use of ballistic missile technology to launch satellites, and its development of nuclear weapons and warheads.Mr. Park emphasized that it is in the common interest of South Korea and China for North Korea to stop its aggression and work toward denuclearization. Mr. Wang simply promised to continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions on the peninsula.
In addition, Mr. Park raised the issue of China’s forced repatriation of North Korean defectors and requested the CCP not to deport those who fled North Korea. In response, Mr. Wang repeatedly emphasized that the matter should be “handled appropriately in accordance with the laws of China.”
Strengthening US Alliances
Japan and South Korea have complicated unresolved historical disputes such as the World War II comfort women, but due to joint efforts of President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, relations between the two countries have improved significantly and are considered to be at their best.Although there are differences between the two countries, both countries have demonstrated a broader view of the regional challenges and are working to face the challenges through cooperation.
In addition, the two foreign ministers agreed to explore the issue of the past kidnappings of Japanese nationals by North Korea, as well as cooperation in areas such as disaster prevention.
Over the past four years, the bilateral and trilateral relations between China, Japan, and South Korea have undergone tremendous changes. China’s bullying tactics and expansionist policies towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea have further strengthened Japan’s alliance with the United States and South Korea. South Korea also strengthened its alliance and cooperation with the United States and Japan to counter North Korea.
Despite historical disputes between Japan and South Korea, the two countries have set aside their grudges and joined hands with the United States in the face of their common enemy, the communist regimes of China and North Korea.
