US Emphasizes Importance of ROK-US-Japan Cooperation... ROK and Japan Hold Director-General Level Talks in Seoul

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As Japan has derailed the trilateral press conference among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan over the Dokdo issue, causing South Korea-Japan relations to remain at a standstill, the United States emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation by mentioning responses to China and North Korea. Prior to this, on the 22nd, an unexpected director-general level meeting between South Korea and Japan was held, indicating that dialogue between the two countries has not been completely severed.

Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, responded on the 22nd (local time) during a briefing to a question about Japan’s absence from the press conference by citing shared interests such as a free and open Indo-Pacific, North Korea, climate change, and economic prosperity, stating, "If we have a deep trilateral relationship, we will be more successful in everything we aim to achieve."

The term "free and open Indo-Pacific" is used by the U.S. to counter China’s expanding influence, thereby emphasizing the importance of South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation in responding to China and North Korea.

Price added, "The trilateral talks were very constructive and provided an opportunity for the three countries to exchange views, discuss common concerns, and deliberate on shared goals," but he did not provide a direct stance on Japan’s absence from the press conference.

As the U.S. shows a strong will for trilateral cooperation, consultations between South Korea and Japan appear to continue despite the deterioration of bilateral relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that on the afternoon of the 22nd, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul between Lee Sang-ryeol, Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Takehiro Funakoshi, Director-General of the Asia and Oceania Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This meeting was the first since the two met in Tokyo in September, about two months ago, and the first since the inauguration of the Kishida Fumio Cabinet. However, even in this meeting, South Korea and Japan remained at odds. Director-General Lee explained the government’s position on forced labor and the issue of comfort women victims of the Japanese military, and conveyed South Korea’s concerns regarding Japan’s export restrictions and the treatment of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

In response, Director-General Funakoshi explained the Japanese government’s position. The Dokdo issue was also mentioned. Director-General Funakoshi conveyed Japan’s stance on Dokdo, and Director-General Lee stated that no claims could be accepted.

As consultations between the two countries continue, attention is focused on whether Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will have their first meeting at the upcoming G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting to be held in the UK from the 10th to the 12th of next month. Minister Chung sent a congratulatory letter to Minister Hayashi on the 11th but they have not yet spoken by phone.