Japan-South Korea relations: Are they in the same boat?

(Baonghean.vn) - The relationship between South Korea and Japan, which has faced many challenges recently, is awaiting a new turning point during the visit of the South Korean Foreign Minister to Japan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. But can this "shared but not in the same boat" relationship between these two neighbors easily "thaw"?

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President ParkGeun-hye (Internet photo).

Hope for a "thaw"...

The two-day visit (June 21 and 22) of South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se to Japan attracted media attention and observers not only from both countries but also from the region, as it was the first visit by a South Korean Foreign Minister to neighboring Japan in four years. This visit, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, was even more symbolic of the rapprochement between these two East Asian nations after a long period of strain. The most notable part of the schedule in Japan was the meeting between South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida. The two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual concern, including promoting bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and international issues. Officials from both countries believe that this diplomatic event will be a good opportunity for both sides to improve bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea.

To date, the two most contentious issues in Japan-South Korea relations lie in historical disputes and sovereignty conflicts. Historically, South Korea has always held a grudge over Japan's invasion of the country from 1910 until the end of World War II. Japan is believed to have attempted to assimilate Koreans, resulting in hundreds of Korean women being forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during the war. Both governments have made numerous efforts to improve relations and put the past behind them. However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results. Every year on the anniversary of the end of World War II, these issues are often brought up again. South Korea criticizes and demands an apology from Japan, while Japan requests that South Korea cease its criticism. Furthermore, the two countries are embroiled in a sovereignty dispute surrounding the Dokdo Islands, which Japan calls Takeshima.

According to analysts, 2015 was a "perfect time" to improve the often turbulent relationship between these two neighboring countries. This year not only marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II but also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This presented a good opportunity for Tokyo and Seoul to build a shared vision for a long-term relationship, especially given the numerous challenges facing both countries. Although disagreements over historical issues and territorial disputes remain, officials from both countries hope for significant improvements in this important year.

In a recent press interview, South Korean President Park Geun-hye stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations regarding the "comfort women issue" from World War II – a disagreement that has consistently strained relations between the two countries – and that the talks are in their final stages. President Park Geun-hye also suggested that South Korea and Japan can look forward to a meaningful year marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, and that the South Korean Foreign Minister's visit to Japan is a major step in that direction.

Furthermore, Tokyo and Seoul are known to be two important allies of the US in Asia, and Washington has long urged its two partners to "make peace" and is ready to act as a "bridge." Understandably, Washington has a huge strategic interest in fostering friendliness and cooperation between these two allies, so it will certainly not allow Seoul and Tokyo to become so distant that they "turn against each other."

But in reality, it's not that easy…

However, things may not be so easy because, despite being on the same side as the US, Japan and South Korea are increasingly showing signs of being "on the same boat" as differing views on security policy stemming from changes in the international political structure and the balance of power in East Asia. Specifically, differing views on the rise of China have affected the relationship between the two countries. Japan views China as the most serious threat, especially militarily, due to territorial disputes over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. Conversely, South Korea seems to be beginning to see Japan's security stance towards China as a potential threat.

A poll by Japan's Asahi newspaper last year, asking "Which country do you consider the greatest military threat?", showed that in Japan, 55% of respondents answered China and 29% considered North Korea. Meanwhile, only 10% of South Koreans thought of China, and notably, 20% rated Japan as the greatest threat. Another poll released in early June showed that more than half of respondents in both countries said their perception of their neighbor had worsened over the past five years. Furthermore, four out of ten South Koreans believe a war between the two countries is imminent. All these disagreements are creating a divergence in security policy and a growing distrust between Japan and South Korea. Observers suggest that the relationship between America's two most important allies in Asia is at a level too low to yield a breakthrough. Political analyst Junya Nishino at Japan's Keio University believes that trust between these two neighboring countries has been lost and is unlikely to be restored anytime soon.

That is also why relations between the two countries were not "reset" when Shinzo Abe and Park Geun-hye came to power. In fact, in recent years, relations between Tokyo and Seoul have deteriorated. Since taking power, Shinzo Abe and Park Geun-hye have never held a full, formal meeting. The Japan-South Korea summit has been interrupted for three years since the meeting in May 2012 between former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Beijing (China). Increasingly, experts believe that, at this stage, it is unlikely that Tokyo and Seoul will be able to hold a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Park Geun-hye. Therefore, it can be said that, despite high expectations, the relationship between Japan and South Korea, though seemingly in the same boat, appears to be that of neighbors rather than friends.

Thanh Huyen