Moon’s visit to Japan unlikely

Jul 13, 2021, 08:59 am

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Source: Yonhap News

AsiaToday reporter Lee Jang-won

President Moon Jae-in’s visit to Japan on the occasion of the Tokyo Olympics has become uncertain. As the Japanese government continues to avoid giving a definite answer to pending bilateral issues, observers say that Moon’s possible meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has actually come to nothing. Many also point out it is hard to justify Moon’s Tokyo visit for only 15-minute talk amid the recent resurgence in new COVID-19 cases.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official kept the stance on Monday that “nothing has been confirmed” regarding the possible Seoul-Tokyo summit. This indicates that Cheong Wa Dae will leave its door open for possible bilateral summit despite growing tension between the two countries. However, it seems that the South Korean government, which wants ‘fruitful talks’, cannot wait for a dramatic change in Japan’s attitude. The time has come for Cheong Wa Dae to make a decision ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Moon’s visit to Japan, which previously seemed to be positive, has become uncertain with the Japanese government’s repeated leaking of details of the negotiations to Japanese media that deprecated a possible summit. Some Japanese media reported that any talks between Moon and Suga may last only 15 minutes due to time constraints. Some even cited an official from the Japanese foreign ministry who said, “I don’t think it would be good for President Moon to come if we have to concede the historical issues.”

In response, the South Korean foreign ministry expressed strong regret, saying, “Those circumstances make it difficult to continue government-to-government consultations.” In the end, a summit between Moon and Suga is unlikely unless Japan accepts discussions on key pending historical and territorial issues. Considering the long-deteriorating relationship between the two countries, the possibility of a visit for friendship seems even lower.

“The South Korean government’s attempt to engage in dialogue to improve relations with Japan is desirable,” said Wang Son-taek, a research associate at Yeosijae (Future Consensus Institute). “However, it should be based on fruitful meeting, such as lifting export restrictions,” he said. “Even if the Japanese side suggests a formal meeting that lasts about 30 minutes due to the Olympics where many people participate, the meaning would be different,” he said.

The Japanese side handled the situation by avoiding to give specific answers over a possible summit. “I will refrain from answering questions because it is a question of assumption,” said Katsunobu Kato, the chief cabinet secretary. “(If Moon visits Japan,) my opinion remains unchanged that responding politely in diplomatic terms is natural,” he added. Regarding the South Korean government’s expression of regret in relation to the Japanese media reports, he said, “I will refrain from commenting on every single report.”

#Moon Jae-in #Japan #Tokyo Olympics #summit #Yoshihide Suga