Japan, South Korea Considering Military-Logistics ‌Agreement, Seoul Says

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations that Tokyo was pursuing a ‘new militarism’ and criticized China for expanding its military.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (L) and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi shake hands before their meeting at the headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, in Yokosuka District, Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026. Eugene Hoshiko/Pool via Reuters

Seoul has discussed a possible bilateral military logistics support pact with Tokyo, South Korea’s defense minister has said, though Seoul maintains reservations.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told reporters at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 that he had held discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi the day before “regarding [a potential] ACSA [acquisition and cross-servicing agreement],” according to the Yonhap News Agency.