Leaders of Japan and South Korea have pledged to improve their countries’ relations after a summit meeting held on December 24, 2019. The meeting was the first between the two countries’ leaders in more than a year and was seen as a significant step towards resolving long-standing tensions between the two nations.
The relationship between Japan and South Korea has been strained for decades due to historical issues, including Japan’s colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945 and its use of Korean women as sex slaves during World War II. These issues have led to deep-seated resentment among many South Koreans towards Japan, and have made it difficult for the two countries to work together on issues of mutual concern.
However, the recent summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in has raised hopes that the two countries can put their differences aside and work towards a more positive relationship. During the meeting, Abe and Moon agreed to work together on a number of issues, including trade, security, and cultural exchanges.
One of the key areas of focus for the two leaders was the issue of forced labor during World War II. In 2018, South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled that Japanese companies must compensate Korean workers who were forced to work in their factories during the war. Japan has argued that the issue was settled by a treaty signed in 1965, but South Korea has maintained that the treaty did not cover individual compensation claims.
At the summit meeting, Abe and Moon agreed to set up a joint fund to compensate the victims of forced labor. The fund will be financed by contributions from both governments as well as from Japanese companies that used forced labor during the war.
Another area of focus for the two leaders was trade. In 2019, Japan imposed restrictions on exports of key materials used in South Korea’s high-tech industries, citing concerns about national security. The move was seen as retaliation for a South Korean court ruling that ordered Japanese companies to compensate Korean victims of forced labor during World War II.
At the summit meeting, Abe and Moon agreed to work towards resolving the trade dispute and to promote free and fair trade between their countries. They also agreed to hold regular high-level talks to address any issues that may arise in the future.
In addition to these issues, the two leaders also discussed ways to promote cultural exchanges between their countries. They agreed to hold a series of events in 2020 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, including a joint cultural festival and a youth exchange program.
Overall, the summit meeting between Abe and Moon was seen as a positive step towards improving relations between Japan and South Korea. While there are still many issues that need to be resolved, including historical issues and trade disputes, the two leaders have shown a willingness to work together to find solutions. By building on this momentum, Japan and South Korea can move towards a more positive relationship that benefits both countries and the wider region.
