Concerns Over the Korean Government's "Terminable Anytime" Stance... Emphasis on the Importance of Tripartite Security Cooperation
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The U.S. Department of State has expressed that the termination of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between South Korea and Japan is extremely important not only for Korea-Japan relations but also for U.S. security. This stance comes amid the worsening Korea-Japan relations due to the issue of compensation for forced labor during Japanese colonial rule, following South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stating that it could terminate GSOMIA at any time.
On the 6th (local time), Voice of America (VOA) reported, citing a spokesperson from the State Department, that "the ability to share military information quickly and efficiently between South Korea and Japan is important not only for the security of South Korea and Japan but also for the stability of the United States and the broader region."
Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kim In-cheol stated regarding the ongoing GSOMIA termination issue following the enforcement of the seizure order on Japanese companies' assets in South Korea related to forced labor compensation, "The government suspended the effect of the termination notice on November 22 under the premise that GSOMIA can be terminated at any time," adding, "Termination is possible at any time."
The State Department official emphasized that Korea-Japan relations and the GSOMIA issue should be kept separate. The official said, "The U.S. believes that defense and security issues should remain separate from other areas of Korea-Japan relations," and added, "We will continue to pursue trilateral security cooperation recognizing our shared interests."
The U.S. Department of State has previously expressed concern or disappointment regarding the GSOMIA termination issue. In August last year, it officially stated, "We express strong concern and disappointment over the Moon Jae-in administration's decision not to renew GSOMIA." When the South Korean government made a conditional 'suspension' decision in November, the U.S. also expressed that it "welcomes the renewal decision."
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