Advertisement
Japan-South Korea spat at G7 highlights Biden’s challenge in building united front against China
- Biden has sought to mend strained relations between two allies that host US troops and are vital partners in the strategic stand-off with China
- However, South Korea and Japan remain at odds over a range of issues, encompassing trade, territory and historical disputes
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
10
It was supposed to be another sign of Joe Biden bringing together US allies left adrift under four years of Donald Trump: the leaders of Japan and South Korea sitting down for a meeting at the weekend’s G7 summit.
Yet Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in failed to hold the first substantive direct talks between the leaders of the oft-sparring neighbours since December 2019, only exchanging greetings before the start of one of the formal meetings. Suga later said there could not be progress unless Seoul changed its ways on wartime labour issues.
“We are not in that environment because we cannot keep promises made between countries,” Suga was quoted as saying by the Nikkei newspaper. “The problems of former workers and the comfort women has not been resolved.”
Advertisement
Moon said on Twitter “it was regrettable” that the exchange of greetings at the G7 could not be followed through by a meeting, adding it could have “served as a new beginning in terms of South Korea-Japan relations”.
The ongoing rift shows the difficulties Biden faces in mending frayed ties between the two allies that host the bulk of America’s troops in Asia and are key to securing supply chains for items in the wider US wider strategic fight against China.
Advertisement
Biden has also sought their help as he undertakes a new strategy to end North Korea’s nuclear programme, which he has called a serious threat to America and the world.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x