U.S.-Japan’s new defense plans should promote peace in Northeast Asia: Seoul

South Korea said Wednesday that a proposed revision of the defense guidelines between the United States and Japan should be made in a way to promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

Seoul’s foreign ministry unveiled its stance as the U.S. and Japan earlier in the day unveiled an interim report that removes geographical limits on their security partnership, in line with Japan’s move to increase the role of its military such as the use of the right to collective self-defense.

“The Seoul government thinks that the revision of the defense guidelines between the U.S. and Japan should be made in a way to contribute to promoting peace and security in Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Seoul reaffirmed its stance that any military activities, including the use of the right to collective self-defense, should not be made if South Korea does not make a request or consent with regard to issues affecting security on the peninsula and Seoul’s national interest,” it added.

The move by Washington and Tokyo to revise the guidelines for the first time in 17 years calls for “seamless and effective” coordination between both governments that would require enhanced capabilities and greater shared responsibilities, according to the report.

The revision will reflect the Japanese Cabinet’s decision in July to reinterpret Tokyo’s war-renouncing Constitution, a major shift in Japan’s postwar security policy.

Japan has unnerved its neighboring countries by seeking to exercise the right of collective self-defense, which would allow Japan to fight alongside its allies even when not under attack itself.

South Korea has said that Japan should seek explicit consent from Seoul if it wishes to exercise such a right in cases of emergency situations related to security on the Korean Peninsula.

The foreign ministry said that it has recognized efforts by the U.S. and Japan to explain the process of the revision on the guidelines to the Korean government in advance, requesting the two sides to keep close consultations with Seoul for transparency.

“The Korean government plans to closely watch the progress of the revision and will express its additional opinions when needed,” the foreign ministry added. (Yonhap)