'US-Japan Relations Are Good, but Korea Is the Problem: Diagnosis by US Congressional Research Service'

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[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] An analysis by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) has revealed that South Korea-Japan relations are at their worst. There is also an interpretation that the Biden administration, which is emphasizing alliance building and the 'Quad' to pressure China, is raising the justification for intervening in South Korea-Japan relations.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) assessed in its revised U.S.-Japan relations report on the 2nd that South Korea-Japan relations have deteriorated to their lowest level in decades, weakening policy coordination among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

Regarding South Korea-Japan relations, CRS stated, "Since 2018, this relationship has reached its lowest point in decades," adding, "A series of measures taken by both governments, including trade, security, and historical disputes in 2018-2019, along with retaliatory responses, have led to a steep decline in bilateral relations."

CRS pointed out that "the deterioration of South Korea-Japan relations has weakened trilateral policy coordination among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan," and said, "The Biden administration may be considering ways to promote trust between the two allies to enhance more effective trilateral cooperation."

CRS gave a positive evaluation of the current U.S.-Japan relationship. CRS stated, "The U.S.-Japan relationship remains strong," and noted that the recent inauguration of new leaders in both countries could smooth relations and deepen cooperation on larger issues.

This shows a significant difference from the earlier evaluation of U.S.-South Korea relations. When revising the U.S.-South Korea relations report, CRS had forecast that although President Biden values alliance cooperation more than former President Trump, tensions could arise in U.S.-South Korea relations due to differences in North Korea policy.

It pointed out that the Moon Jae-in administration’s preference for easing sanctions on North Korea could cause tensions with the U.S.

The report specifically identified the resumption of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises as a major potential source of conflict between the two countries after the Biden administration took office.

President Moon stated at a New Year press briefing on the 18th of last month that regarding the resumption of the annual joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises in March, "If necessary, we can consult with North Korea through the Inter-Korean Military Joint Committee."

On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Defense emphasized the importance of the joint exercises. John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, recently said in a briefing, "We recognize that there is no place more important than the Korean Peninsula [for these exercises]," underscoring the necessity of the joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.

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