Cho Hyun-dong, 1st Vice Foreign Minister, to Visit Japan on 25th for Korea-US-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Discussion on Forced Labor Compensation Solution and North Korea Nuclear Issue
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 25th that regarding consultations with the Japanese government on a solution for compensation for forced labor, “We are not deciding on and consulting about one specific plan mentioned in the Japanese media.”
Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, is speaking at the joint press conference of the South Korea-U.S.-Japan deputy foreign ministers held on the 8th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
Before departing through Gimpo Airport this morning to attend the Korea-Japan, Korea-US, and Korea-US-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meetings in Tokyo, Cho met with reporters and said about the agenda of the Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting, “We expect broad discussions on current issues between Korea and Japan, including the resolution of the forced labor issue.”
Attending the Korea-US-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting are Vice Foreign Minister Cho, Wendy Sherman, US Deputy Secretary of State, and Takeo Mori, Administrative Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arriving in Tokyo, Vice Foreign Minister Cho will hold separate Korea-Japan and Korea-US Vice Foreign Ministers' meetings with Vice Minister Mori and Deputy Secretary Sherman, respectively.
Regarding Japanese media reports that Korea and Japan are discussing a method where a Korean foundation would pay compensation for forced labor on behalf of Japanese companies, Cho said, “We are not deciding on one specific plan and consulting about it,” adding, “We are discussing various plans between Korea and Japan reflecting such opinions.”
Earlier, Japan’s Kyodo News reported on the 23rd that a plan where Korean companies donate to a foundation, and the foundation pays compensation instead of Japanese companies, is considered likely.
It is observed that solutions are being sought mainly around subrogation or so-called 'coexisting debt assumption,' which were raised in four public-private consultative meetings held domestically.
'Coexisting debt assumption' is a method where the debtor’s original debt remains, but a third party newly assumes the same debt.
Vice Foreign Minister Cho plans to hold a separate bilateral meeting with Vice Minister Mori during this visit to Japan and discuss solutions for the forced labor compensation issue. Coordination for meetings with senior Japanese officials is also underway.
Regarding criticism that demands for apologies from Japanese companies are insufficient, Cho said, “We keep in mind that positive responses from the Japanese side are an important factor in devising a solution.”
When asked if the Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting would discuss the schedule for a summit meeting, he replied, “There is an ASEAN summit and others in November, and we are considering the possibility of high-level contacts on that occasion,” adding, “I think such consultations will also take place.”
In this regard, after arriving at Tokyo Haneda Airport, Vice Foreign Minister Cho told reporters, “Nothing has been decided yet,” but “there is a possibility, so we are keeping it in mind and will discuss it at the Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting.”
He added, “The summit at the multilateral meeting requires final consultations to be confirmed.”
Furthermore, regarding the agenda of the Korea-US-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting, Cho said, “The situation in Northeast Asia is serious due to a series of provocations by North Korea and the conclusion of the Chinese Communist Party Congress,” and “We will comprehensively discuss these regional situations as well as issues arising from global challenges.”
Regarding trilateral security cooperation measures that can be discussed due to the possibility of North Korea’s seventh nuclear test, he said, “The necessity is increasing, and I think the consensus is broadening,” and “Specific measures are expected to be discussed between military authorities.”
On sanctions measures in preparation for North Korea’s seventh nuclear test, he explained, “I’m not sure if we can specifically consult on sanctions measures, but there will be comprehensive discussions in preparation for North Korea’s nuclear test, so please understand it in that context.”
Regarding the agenda of the Korea-US Vice Foreign Ministers' meeting, Cho said, “Following discussions on strengthening extended deterrence between Korea and the US at the Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation held in Washington last September, there will be further consultations today.”
He added, “There will also be discussions on economic security-related matters such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and ways to strengthen the Korea-US alliance, which will mark its 70th anniversary next year.”
Regarding the position of opposing Taiwan independence emphasized by the new Chinese leadership after the Party Congress, Cho reaffirmed the South Korean government’s stance of respecting the ‘One China’ principle. He said, “If issues arise, I think discussions will be held under that stance.”
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