Taro Aso, former Prime Minister of Japan, assessed South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, stating that it "has the potential to become a new role model for security assurance."
On the afternoon of January 16, during his opening remarks at the Seoul-Tokyo Forum, former Prime Minister Aso expressed his expectation that South Korea and Japan would deepen cooperation in areas such as semiconductors and supply chains.
Former Prime Minister Aso highlighted South Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding as a notable issue in terms of economic security. He said, "This is not limited to civilian vessels but also takes into account the construction of U.S. military ships," adding, "In particular, South Korea and the United States have also agreed on the introduction of South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarines, which I believe has the potential to become a new role model for security assurance."
In terms of security, he noted significant progress in South Korea-Japan and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, mentioning the real-time sharing system for missile warning data among the three countries and the joint exercise 'Freedom Edge.' He emphasized, "It is necessary to continue advancing cooperation for the complete denuclearization of North Korea."
Regarding South Korea's efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he stated that it is important for maintaining the free trade system. He said, "It is important for South Korea and Japan to act together to maintain and advocate a fair, equitable, and multifaceted free trade system," adding, "South Korea’s accession to the CPTPP will be an important step in this direction."
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