Japan Self-Defense Forces "No Discussion of Patrol Aircraft Issue in Fleet Review Talks... Credit to Korean Side"

Chief of Naval Operations Lee Jong-ho (left), Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Samuel Paparo (center), and Chief of Staff of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Sakai Ryo (right) pose for a commemorative photo after a trilateral discussion on the 7th in Yokohama, Japan.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] It has been confirmed that Sakai Ryo, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Lee Jong-ho, Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea Navy, did not discuss the 2018 patrol aircraft conflict issue, a defense matter between the two countries, during their meeting after the International Fleet Review.

According to Kyodo News on the 15th, Chief of Staff Sakai said at a press conference that he held a trilateral talk with senior naval officials from Korea and the United States on the occasion of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS). He stated, "The ball is in Korea's court, and I understand there is a settled response," adding that until a reply comes from Korea, the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Korean Navy are not in an environment to promote exchanges.

Chief of Staff Sakai also commented on the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), saying, "Information sharing is important, so we will strive to cooperate closely."

The Republic of Korea Navy sent the state-of-the-art logistics support ship Soyang to the fleet review held in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Prefecture, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Maritime Self-Defense Force on the 6th. This marks the first time in seven years that the Korean Navy has participated in Japan's fleet review.

Previously, the Japanese side claimed that on December 20, 2018, the ROK Navy's Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer, which was searching for a North Korean fishing boat stranded in the East Sea, aimed its fire control radar at a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P1 patrol aircraft flying near the ship.

At that time, Japan released a video filmed inside the patrol aircraft as evidence. On the other hand, Korea denied any radar lock-on and countered that the patrol aircraft conducted low-altitude threatening flights near the Gwanggaeto the Great.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.