President Moon Sent Conciliatory Message
But Many Variables Remain Including Cashing Out Japanese Companies' Domestic Assets and GSOMIA
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Japanese government has openly opposed Yoo Myung-hee, the head of trade negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who is challenging for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Although this was a variable that the South Korean government could have sufficiently anticipated, there are calls for thorough preparation as Japan may launch a more aggressive follow-up offensive, leveraging the United States.
According to Kyodo News, on the 24th, a representative from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office emphasized, "It is unthinkable for Japan to support Director-General Yoo." A senior official from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly expressed concerns about "whether fairness and neutrality can be guaranteed" regarding Director-General Yoo. The Japanese government is said to be coordinating support for a candidate from Africa, such as Nigeria or Kenya.
Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in sent a conciliatory message to Japan. On the 23rd, during a video conference with overseas Koreans, President Moon stated, "Our government places great importance on relations with Japan. We are making significant efforts to develop the relationship."
Experts believe that even if President Moon extends a gesture of reconciliation to Japan, the conflict is difficult to resolve in the near future, so it is unlikely to become a major variable in the WTO Director-General election, which is expected to conclude within this year.
Next month, South Korea and Japan will face several issues including ▲ the order to liquidate Japanese companies' domestic assets (4th) ▲ President Moon's Liberation Day speech (15th) ▲ extension of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) (end of the month) ▲ participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit ▲ and WTO disputes over export regulations.
Experts urge the government to wisely respond to the expected relentless offensive from Japan, as it was a foreseeable variable.
Professor Heo Yoon of Sogang University Graduate School of International Studies diagnosed, "Japan's stance reflects the current Korea-Japan relationship, which is not future-oriented," and added, "The government could have sufficiently predicted that gaining Japan's support would not be easy."
Professor Jeong In-gyo of Inha University's Department of International Trade expressed concern, saying, "Japan's true intentions, which have been hinted at until now, have been revealed, which is inevitably disadvantageous for Director-General Yoo," and "The problem is that it is difficult to rule out the possibility that Japan will conduct a more active campaign against the Korean candidate, and considering Japan's past practices, they may have consulted with the United States in advance."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
