Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Japan Self-Defense Forces Cannot Enter Our Territory Without Government Approval"

Korea-Japan Director-General Level Talks... "Accelerating Communication to Resolve Issues"

Lim Suseok, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stated that security cooperation among the three countries?South Korea, the United States, and Japan?is important to effectively respond to the threat from North Korea, in response to concerns raised by some political circles about strengthening South Korea-Japan military cooperation.

At a regular briefing on the 11th, Senior Deputy Spokesperson Lim said, "As North Korea's nuclear missile threat intensifies, cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan is becoming increasingly important," adding, "The recent trilateral joint exercises were conducted in this context." However, he emphasized, "The Japan Self-Defense Forces cannot enter our territory without the approval of the South Korean government."

Regarding the recent South Korea-U.S.-Japan joint exercises conducted amid North Korea's successive missile provocations, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and others criticized them as "extreme pro-Japanese acts." In response, the government and ruling party have countered by calling them "anti-national acts." The Presidential Office also stated that morning, "The South Korea-U.S.-Japan joint military exercises were agreed upon during the Moon Jae-in administration."

When asked about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' position on the "pro-Japanese diplomacy debate" arising over the trilateral joint exercises, Spokesperson Lim said, "The Ministry's position on the trilateral joint exercises is simply that they are necessary to effectively respond to North Korea's nuclear missile threat," and drew a line by saying, "Please direct inquiries about specific matters related to military cooperation to the relevant ministries."

Anti-submarine warfare exercise held on the high seas of the East Sea on the 30th of last month. Photo by the Navy [Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, regarding the director-general level talks held between South Korea and Japan that morning, the Ministry explained, "This follows the agreement by the two leaders at the South Korea-Japan summit held in New York last month to accelerate efforts to resolve pending issues," adding, "Although no specific time or place has been set, director-general talks can be held anytime as needed."

When asked whether this consultation could create momentum for resolving historical issues between the two countries, the Ministry responded, "No specific timeline has been set for resolving major issues including forced labor," but added, "We will strive to accelerate consultations and communication with greater tension while gathering opinions from our victims and various domestic sectors."

Furthermore, the government expressed deep concern over Russia's missile attacks on several cities including Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which occurred the previous day, but stated that there are no plans to issue a separate condemnation statement. It has been confirmed that there have been no casualties among Korean nationals due to the Russian attacks so far, and the government plans to strengthen necessary measures in case of emergencies.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the government is considering relocating its embassy due to the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official replied, "There are no plans to withdraw the embassy at this time." The official also conveyed that the government plans to participate as a co-sponsor in a resolution titled "Resolution for the Preservation of Ukraine's Territorial Integrity and Upholding the Principles of the UN Charter" at the upcoming emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly.