Kim Tae-nyeon Responds to Japanese Ambassador's Call to Resolve WTO Complaint First: "Audacity... Japan Should Resolve It First"

Domita Koji "Dialogue Halted as Korea Filed WTO Complaint Against Japan"
Japan Must Resolve Unfair Economic Attacks First... WTO Complaint Originated from Export Restrictions

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 23rd, criticized Koji Domita, Japanese Ambassador to Korea, who said, “The issue should be resolved starting with Korea’s WTO complaint against Japan regarding Japan’s export restrictions,” as “brazen hypocrisy.” Ambassador Domita attended a breakfast meeting with business leaders hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries on the 22nd and responded to Kwon Tae-shin, vice chairman of the Federation, who requested easing Japan’s restrictions on the materials, parts, and equipment industry, by saying, “Since Korea filed a WTO complaint against Japan, policy dialogue between the two countries has been suspended.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Floor leader Kim said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, “It is not only a brazen hypocrisy but also the order is wrong.”

He emphasized, “It is only logical to first resolve the unfair economic attack carried out by Japan,” and “Our government’s WTO complaint originated from the Japanese government’s export restrictions.”

He continued, “Our government tried to resolve the issue through dialogue, but when the Japanese government refused to engage in talks, we resumed the WTO complaint procedure,” and pointed out, “It is the Japanese government that insists on export restrictions without justification or benefit, thereby worsening bilateral relations.” He added, “Ultimately, resolving the deteriorated Korea-Japan relations must also start with the Japanese government.”

Floor leader Kim said, “The Japanese government will hold the Tokyo Olympics next year, which were postponed due to COVID-19. The spirit and purpose of the Olympics is to promote international peace,” and urged the Japanese government to change its stance positively, saying, “For the Tokyo Olympics to truly become a festival of peace, the numerous outstanding issues with neighboring countries must be resolved through dialogue.”