politics

S Korea terminates Japan intelligence deal amid trade dispute

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By HYUNG-JIN KIM

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Mr Moon is a historic hero and a real genius in north east Asia. I can understand why SK people support him so enthusiastically. Thank you so much, and good luck!

-28 ( +14 / -42 )

This cannot come as a surprise to anybody.

Japan recently ruled that South Korea was a risk to Japan's national security. So what is South Korea to do? Continue to share highly sensitive military intelligence with a country that deems it a security risk?

Shinzo didn't take kindly to being sidelined during the recent SK-NK-USA peace talks, and wanted to show his countrymen he was a top dog and not a lap dog, just in time for the elections too. To affect one of SK's main exports and cost SK billions in profits would have been the icing on his mochi cake.

But not only did it fail to win him the super majority for scrapping of Article 9, but it backfired badly with SK's high tech industries hardly affected and preparing to be independent of Japan's raw materials in time, and rural tourist towns in Japan suffering from massive drops in tourism yen from SK visitors (and no, they were not met by a magical increase in tourists from other countries), and previously wildly popular Japanese brands such as Uniqlo (SK is Uniqlo's 2nd largest overseas market with 158 stores, USA has 50) suffering huge dips in profits not to mention hugely popular Japanese beers failing to sell.

And now with the GSOMIA not being renewed by SK, at least in theory Shinzo has put the lives of Japanese people in greater danger from potential North Korean missiles.

Shinzo-kun needs to take a long hard look at his failure of policy. He failed to see one single move ahead, blinded by a desire to flex his scrawny muscles.

-3 ( +26 / -29 )

Trade dispute is one thing, but this is taking things to a level that really sets back relations to a point not seen in recent history.

The recent talks aimed at cooling things down were just a show by SK.

America needs to step in here now, sit these two down, and get things settled!

-6 ( +14 / -20 )

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono called the decision "extremely regrettable" and summoned the South Korean ambassador to protest the linking of trade and security issues.

Hang on but didn't Japan do precisely that, linked alleged security issues to affect trade?

-5 ( +23 / -28 )

SK pretty much played all their cards at this point and Japan hasn't really done anything. Just wait till Japan actually retaliates, it wont be pretty...

15 ( +31 / -16 )

Dear Prime Minister Moon:

Please come to your senses. You have picked a fight with Japan, Japan responded is a civilized but strong manner and....you dig in your heels. Meanwhile, one of your aides is in trouble, the Korean economy is stagnant and....you decided to play the 'anti-Japan' card for the umpteenth time. Sorry, this is really tiresome.

14 ( +33 / -19 )

On Thursday evening, about 30 anti-Tokyo activists gathered near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to welcome the intelligence deal's termination. Jubilant participants held placards that read "The scrapping of the South Korea-Japan deal is a people's victory."

These are 30 really dumb people. They hate Japan so much, they don't care about their own region's security.

22 ( +36 / -14 )

no problem, this agreement was just 3 years which meant Japan was ok before that and will be ok after that. SK has passed sentitive information to NK like details on how to make missiles and other things to be used for weaponry. Who needs friends like SK?

14 ( +28 / -14 )

I told you.

Anyhow, Japanese defense officials will have to watch CNN Breaking News for the next North Korean ballistic missile launch news because of Korea's early warning radar feed cutoff following the GSOMIA termination.

The US can't help Japan out and must leave Japan blind as to future NK ballistic missile launches because of the terms of its own SOFA and the GSOMIA with Korea.

If Abe san considers that this is unacceptable for Japan's national security, then Abe san always undo the export control and things will get back to where they were.

The US got the message on the condition of the GSOMIA restoration and will be ramping up the pressure on the Abe administration.

-28 ( +9 / -37 )

I think South Korea is terminating it’s own intelligence mostly. Japan isn’t too bothered by this.

19 ( +37 / -18 )

The Pentagon on Thursday expressed "strong concern and disappointment" in the collapse of the agreement.

C’mon writer. Let’s give a full sentence on Eastburn’s quote.

...."The Department of Defense expresses our strong concern and disappointment that the Moon Administration has withheld its renewal of the Republic of Korea's General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Japan,"

18 ( +24 / -6 )

I am not surprised at South Korea's reaction. It is a natural result easily expected. Japan made a bad move (sanctions). It is like an adult had a serious fight against a child. Japan has to deal with South Korea as a naughty child. I hear the idea of sanction was raised by MITI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not known until the day before.

-15 ( +10 / -25 )

How long before South Koreans come to their senses and drag Moon from out of the Blue House?

5 ( +19 / -14 )

Anyhow, Japanese defense officials will have to watch CNN Breaking News for the next North Korean ballistic missile launch news because of Korea's early warning radar feed cutoff following the GSOMIA termination.

Wow. Do you really think people believe this stuff?

12 ( +21 / -9 )

@Shin Ra

Just wait till Japan actually retaliates

And you want more Japanese companies to flee Japan?

Today : Abe san imposes Japanese material suppliers from supplying Korean customers.

Tomorrow : Japanese materials suppliers flee Japan and move their factories to Korea in order to surive.

@Muratafan

Dear Prime Minister Moon

Moon is a president, not a prime minister.

You have picked a fight with Japan

Moon didn't start this fight, but he won't back down from a fight. Moon was a commended spec-ops soldier specialized in sabotage and explosives behind enemy lines. Abe san picked the wrong person to fight.

@erbaviva

this agreement was just 3 years which meant Japan was ok before that

Japan was not OK before that. Japan had problem tracking North Korean ballistic missiles with its ground radars and AEGIS warships, and this is why Japan begged the US to pressure Korea to sign the GSOMIA and get a copy of Korea's early warning radar feed.

-19 ( +12 / -31 )

Lol. Koreans had to modify the distance twice before it was finally corrected by Japan.

http://www.chosunonline.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/07/27/2019072780007.html

「2発とも600キロ」 また修正発表した合参…GSOMIAで日本から情報提供

"Both missiles traveled 600 km" Another correction by Joint chiefs of staff. Information provided by GSOMIA from Japan.

Korea’s military intelligence (incompetence) at full display.

15 ( +25 / -10 )

Basu

Im the one that told you information can be shared via U.S.A and you said No.

That's exactly what S. Korea said when it comes to security. They are ok because America will share intelligence Japan has on North Korea the same way Americans will share intelligence S. Korea has on North with Japan. Works both ways. You ruined your own argument.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

Anyhow, Japanese defense officials will have to watch CNN Breaking News for the next North Korean ballistic missile launch news because of Korea's early warning radar feed cutoff following the GSOMIA termination.

Wow. Do you really think people believe this stuff?

I think he really believes this stuff. He really does believe that the US would just grit their teeth and pretend that missiles aren't heading toward Japan because they 'aren't allowed to say anything'. It's laughable.

What he doesn't realize, or refuses to admit, is that Japan used GSOMIA to gather intelligence maybe a half a dozen times and its about more than just tracking missile launches.

In the end, Japan will be fine, sharing intelligence with the US. The region however will suffer because a potential ally refuses to talk and basically is sitting in the corner with their fingers in their ears singing 'la la la, I can't hear you'.

12 ( +20 / -8 )

So Korea continues to be angry that Japan will not meet it's unspecified demands, and doubles down on it.

Complete and utter ineptitude in the Korean leadership there. I feel for the Koreans who have to live under that leadership.

13 ( +22 / -9 )

Can I be honest? I'm so damn confused. Weren't they working towards fixing, somewhat, their relationship a few days ago? Or am I tripping?

13 ( +14 / -1 )

Does Korea even own a reconnaissance satellite? I know they try to ‘lease’ one from Israel.

Anyhow, It’s none of Japan’s concern.

7 ( +16 / -9 )

@nigelboy

Lol. Koreans had to modify the distance twice before it was finally corrected by Japan.

1) Since the NK missile in question was flying away from Korea toward Japan, the final landing spot was of little importance to Korea, but of great importance to Japan.

2) North Korea has made great strides in its ballistic missile technology over the past decade and are now highly accurate and can perform evasive maneuvers to evade interceptor missiles in mid-flight.

The reason the ROK estimated 450 km initially was because the missile was diving as it it was going to land at a 450 km distance spot, then it reinited its engine to fly horizontally for another 150 km, thereby flying under the minimum interception altitude of the SM-3 interceptor.

If this missile was launched toward Tokyo today, Japan would not be able to intercept it.

Even if Japan's Aegis Ashore goes operational tomorrow, it would still not be able to intercept it.

-13 ( +7 / -20 )

This is not a surprised.

S. Korea is burning with Anti-Japan sentiments. From the very top of the government, to normal citizens willing to boycott anything Japanese, willing to attack other S. Koreans who buy Japanese products or travel to Japan.

Just like Germany, you have to stand up for yourself. Even the Germans won't pay again and both Poland and Greece wants hundreds of billions of Euros.Germans said everything was settled in past agreements just like our agreement with Korea. Follow Germany as an example!

10 ( +19 / -9 )

Another day, more anti-Japan madness from desperate Moon. This is a very dangerous move. Trump will not be happy. In fact, the USA may reconsider their alliance with SK in the region. SK is unreliable and probably collaborating with communist North Korea.

South Korea is a rapidly becoming a rogue state under Japan-hating fool Moon. Japan should now consider more sanctions.

1 ( +15 / -14 )

@Tawkeeo

Can I be honest? I'm so damn confused. Weren't they working towards fixing, somewhat, their relationship a few days ago? Or am I tripping?

The meeting between Kang and Kono was to issue an ultimatum to Japan; lift the export control or the GSOMIA will be terminated.

Since Japan refused to lift the export control, Korea terminated the GSOMIA as promised. It is as simple as that.

-15 ( +6 / -21 )

I guess the Korean attitude here is that they will blackmail Japan into... um... something (not sure what).

Japan is smart to not bow to the blackmail. And would be smart to remain neutral.

It's the old adage of giving one enough rope to hang themselves. Leave Korea to have their hissy fit, then when they realize how much that is hurting them, they can figure out what to do.

Of course, this is no good for Japan either. But giving into blackmail would be even worse. At this point in time, all avenues lead to hardship, so the plan must be to choose the strongest path for the future.

11 ( +19 / -8 )

...."The Department of Defense expresses our strong concern and disappointment that the Moon Administration has withheld its renewal of the Republic of Korea's General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Japan,"

Even the US has pointed out that it's Moon's ineptitude that has brought the situation to this point.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

) Since the NK missile in question was flying away from Korea toward Japan, the final landing spot was of little importance to Korea, but of great importance to Japan.

Yeah right.

Any person with common knowledge about this issue clearly understands that the message was towards Blue House. Just look at the distances of two shots fired on July 31.

For NK, it’s simply changing the direction of the target.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

@AlexBecu

Follow Germany as an example!

Indeed, Japan must follow German examples and make it a crime to worship Tojo Hideki and Imperial Japan, teach Japan's youngsters on the crimes of Imperial Japan in vivid detail, including the Rape of Nanjing, forced conscription of Comfort Women, Unit 731, etc.

-15 ( +10 / -25 )

*@Ganbare Japan! - Another day, more anti-Japan madness from desperate Moon. This is a very dangerous move. Trump will not be happy. In fact, the USA may reconsider their alliance with SK in the region. SK is unreliable and probably collaborating with communist North Korea.*

What is it with you and Trump and the US? One minute you are condemning any US interference in japan matters and the next you are acknowledging and praising the US 'big brother' status. Japan is not innocent nor is it the victim in this 'tit for tat' dispute. It always takes two to make a fight. Both parties continue to antagonise each other with petty and outlandish claims and sanctions. They are like a pair of school kids arguing over who has the better bento.

2 ( +13 / -11 )

@nigelboy

For NK, it’s simply changing the direction of the target.

And this is surprisingly hard to do. But Japan wouldn't know, Japan never developed a ballistic missile before.

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

Gotta love those orchestrated demonstrations...

10 ( +13 / -3 )

@NorwegianboyEE

How is South Korea terminating its own intelligence? They simply no longer share intelligence with Japan. They still receive intelligence from other allies and it was the primary intelligence gatherer on North Korea. Something Japan views as a threat and now will no longer get direct information briefings about.

@Muratafan

Japan responded in a civilized manner? So, Korea brought to the table the crimes committed by Japan during the war. Japan responds by trade limitations towards South Korea instead of discussing the issue. How is that a civilized response?

-6 ( +11 / -17 )

@AlexBecu

Im the one that told you information can be shared via U.S.A and you said No.

What good is the information shared AFTER the missile has landed, hopely not in Tokyo?

@extanker

He really does believe that the US would just grit their teeth and pretend that missiles aren't heading toward Japan because they 'aren't allowed to say anything'.

It's not about "not saying anything", but nothing showing up on Japan's ballistic missile radar screen.

In the end, Japan will be fine

Japan will be fine until the North Korean or Chinese nuclear missiles actually land in Japan, and Japanese SDF officials never saw them coming until it was too late for interception.

@Straingerland

I feel for the Koreans who have to live under that leadership.

Koreans always vote for a new president every 5 years and parties do change power every 10 years or so.

It is Japanese who are stuck with the LDP in power in perpetuity.

-7 ( +10 / -17 )

Moon can do things that Abe dares to think. Abe is spaghetti, not chopstick.

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

For NK, it’s simply changing the direction of the target.

And this is surprisingly hard to do. But Japan wouldn't know, Japan never developed a ballistic missile before.

Wait a second, just a minute ago, you were telling us all how advanced North Korean ballistic missile technology has become (very funny, by the way) that NK missiles can't be intercepted by anything, but now you're telling us they only have one missile and it's aimed squarely at Tokyo?

Make up your mind. Which is it?

8 ( +13 / -5 )

What's next? Backbitting diplomacy campaigning Boycott Tokyo radioactive Olympics? Jumping on full nullification of 1965 Treaty? Now can't wait for seeing next steps and how further Korean Hwabyung could take this country.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Kim says jump, Moon jumps.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

For NK, it’s simply changing the direction of the target.

And this is surprisingly hard to do. But Japan wouldn't know, Japan never developed a ballistic missile before

Right... Japan only has a space program that launches multiple satellites on multi-stage rockets several times a year.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

@Ganbare Japan

Why would the US give up on South Korea? That makes no sense. There have never been problems between the US military and South Korea. There are no active protest or local governments fighting to have the US bases relocated. Furthermore, South Korea is the Asian location for the US Missile defense system. 4 out of the 9 THAAD systems owned by the US are in South Korea. Guam and Hawaii have one a piece with the other ones located in Europe.

4 ( +11 / -7 )

South Korea is backing itself into a corner.. a very dangerous one for the future and the safety and freedom of its citizens.

Leaders manufacturing this much "outrage" are usually on their way out or trying to establish themselves as dictators.

Its a very sad day for both Japan and South Korea, the only winner is China as their goals of dominating the region get a step closer. Very sad.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

@NZ2011

Leaders manufacturing this much "outrage" are usually on their way out or trying to establish themselves as dictators.

Watching Moon standing alone on stage in his white robes... I had EXACTLY that impression.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

@JJ Jetplane

South Korea is the Asian location for the US Missile defense system.

And the Iwakuni base is the presumptive Asian location for the US intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

The waning or lack of U.S. leadership is very apparent and as Yubaru said, they need to step in now. The leadership vacuum in NE Asia is being filled by China, and they have the most to gain in this row.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

The world has changed and Japan just has to accept the reality, as simple as that.

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

eventually Korea will realize that nobody needs them, they offer no value to anybody, and they still are not equal to Japan. No matter how much they complain...

12 ( +17 / -5 )

He said South Korea's linking of trade and security was "absolutely unacceptable, and we firmly protest to the South Korean government."

Really? But that's what Abe administration did with the trade restriction. Oh My! LOL!

-10 ( +5 / -15 )

I'm really so surprised about how stupid S Korea is! This is a pure security matter for SK-US-JP has nothing to do with country's trade management. S Korea has mixed up with all kinds of matters included S Korean domestic matters. It seems to me S Korea is still (or forever) so angry about out-of-Japan's whitelist. This is main reason why SK broke the security agreement. Anyway S Korea loves to break any agreements that Moon does not like today.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

I told you all this petty South Korean government is never to be trusted. Few days ago Moon was 'softening' his tone, but here he once again shows his devious true colors.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

KariHarukaToday  07:01 am JST

How long before South Koreans come to their senses and drag Moon from out of the Blue House?

Abe IMO is a genius. His trade restriction raised the approval ratings for both Moon and Abe himself!

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Moon was a commended spec-ops soldier specialized in sabotage

That explains his behavior then. He is doing a good job of it.

said analyst Go Myong-Hyun of the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies. "If the U.S. turned its back on South Korea, we would be completely isolated in Northeast Asia."

And there you have the end plan. Now who does Moon work for who would want something like that?

10 ( +13 / -3 )

I've heard Kim Jong- Un is hoping the termination/breakup of GSOMIA. That's why Moon would have done it for Kim. He said times otherwise N Korea and S Korea will be never together.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Well, well, well

I guess it's safe to say bullying truly doesn't pay. Guess who ends up with egg on the face now?

This cannot come as a surprise to anybody.

Japan recently ruled that South Korea was a risk to Japan's national security. So what is South Korea to do? Continue to share highly sensitive military intelligence with a country that deems it a security risk?

Shinzo didn't take kindly to being sidelined during the recent SK-NK-USA peace talks, and wanted to show his countrymen he was a top dog and not a lap dog, just in time for the elections too. To affect one of SK's main exports and cost SK billions in profits would have been the icing on his mochi cake.

But not only did it fail to win him the super majority for scrapping of Article 9, but it backfired badly with SK's high tech industries hardly affected and preparing to be independent of Japan's raw materials in time, and rural tourist towns in Japan suffering from massive drops in tourism yen from SK visitors (and no, they were not met by a magical increase in tourists from other countries), and previously wildly popular Japanese brands such as Uniqlo (SK is Uniqlo's 2nd largest overseas market with 158 stores, USA has 50) suffering huge dips in profits not to mention hugely popular Japanese beers failing to sell.

And now with the GSOMIA not being renewed by SK, at least in theory Shinzo has put the lives of Japanese people in greater danger from potential North Korean missiles.

Shinzo-kun needs to take a long hard look at his failure of policy. He failed to see one single move ahead, blinded by a desire to flex his scrawny muscles.

SPOT ON!!!

. I feel for the Koreans who have to live under that leadership

Trust me. The fake pity is not expected nor needed.

Hang on but didn't Japan do precisely that, linked alleged security issues to affect trade?

Thats exactly it. The hypocrisy is laughable and not surprising at all.

leadership vacuum in NE Asia is being filled by China, and they have the most to gain in this row.

I surprised you didn't lump Russia in there as well SMDH!!

. But giving into blackmail would be even worse

Blackmail? Im thinking you're an avid nhk viewer.

. I hear the idea of sanction was raised by MITI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not known until the day before.

Not the least bit surprised given the disrespect the right wing regime has for SoKo

Japan responded in a civilized manner? So, Korea brought to the table the crimes committed by Japan during the war. Japan responds by trade limitations towards South Korea instead of discussing the issue. How is that a civilized response?

Weird that some would think that was a civilized response. I do look forward to the spins that will make it seem as if SoKo escalated matters.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

Japan will be fine until the North Korean or Chinese nuclear missiles actually land in Japan

And you find pleasure in that? That says all I need to know.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Really! SK is going to be so petty as to do such a thing? Security has nothing to do with any trade disputes and should never be sacrificed because of political differences unless one of the parties actually becomes "the security threat". Meanwhile NK is probably overjoyed.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

@JJ Jetplane

There have never been problems between the US military and South Korea.

Haha what?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-American_sentiment_in_Korea

But what do I know, I was only stationed there for two years...

9 ( +14 / -5 )

See ya! Don't really need to share anything with you guys anyway, especially military matters. Japan's better off just sharing intel with the US. The US gets intel from SK anyway.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

Security has nothing to do with any trade disputes and should never be sacrificed 

You do realise SoKo is doing exactly what abe and his regime did, right?

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

S Korea showed a very childish behavior. It's like when one little boy lost a love from his girl, so he was so angry and kicked his little puppy hard.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

While some of them are praising Moon for this decision, I dont know what kind of benefit SK can get from this. When it comes to security, both Japan and SK would be OK as long as the US is backing up them.

GSOMIA is an agreement not only with Japan but also with the US. Did they do this just to show their anger against Japan and want the US to involve this dispute? I would think the US doesn't want to get involved in this, nor take any side here.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

The US gets intel from SK anyway.

The agreement says the US that got information from SK can't leak it to other countries. Japan is now out of GSOMIA.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

South Korea's Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday that it will try to maintain a "stable and perfect combined security posture" with the United States regardless of the termination of the intelligence deal. It called the South Korean-U.S. alliance "powerful."

Nothing rings hollow more than this statement now. Those men must be really shaking their heads asking themselves what they are protecting from. Guys. Moon is a lapdog of and working for Master Kim. Why don't you to start with the fact.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Japan wants a country it considers a security risk to share its military intelligence. with Japan. Japan has no reason to be surprised by the rejection.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

@Samit

The THAAD is the intermediate missile defense system. They built 4 of them in South Korea, 1 in Guam, and 1 in Hawaii. Japan opposed the building of it because it would cause tensions between them, Russia, and China. So the first one outside of US territory was built in South Korea. Afterwards, three more were put up. Abe doesn't want the missile defense system in Japan. However, Japan recently said they would like to buy 2 of the THAAD systems from the US. Which means they will not be manned or controlled by the US.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It's not about "not saying anything", but nothing showing up on Japan's ballistic missile radar screen.

You really do believe this stuff as if Korea is the gate keeper to the launch data. Amazing.

Little bit old but even your countrymen don’t believe this.

,,,,,,Japan’s missile defense capability is believed to be the second strongest in the world, after the US. Significantly, for the past two decades, the US has taken steps to strengthen Japan’s missile defense capability, based on the two countries’ shared interest in countering China. At present, the two countries have reached the stage of what is effectively integrated operation of their missile defense - from collecting information in Japan to giving the orders to intercept.......

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/728973.html

U.S. and Japan has been updating/coordinating ballistic missile defense since the 90’s via Shared Early Warning (SEW) utilizing U.S. assets in Japan to receive early info on the area and time of launch, the projected area and time, where and when objects fall relating to ballistic missiles launched in the direction of Japan, which is analyzed and conveyed to the SDF by the U.S. Forces in a short period of time after the launch. Conversely, same type for info sharing comes from Japan’s Aegis and FPS-5/FPS-3 radar to U.S.

As to the ‘eye in the sky’, Japan has their own reconnaissance satellites (eight) while I believe Korea has....?

4 ( +12 / -8 )

@extanker

I am still waiting for the information on the local governments wanting the US army bases removed. You haven't provided that information yet. It speaks mostly about one or two arsonists or the outrage over Anton. You haven't provided anything. Furthermore, you do know Wikipedia is not considered a reputable source right?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Moon has taken this too far.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Its even more laughable those still trying to bring up history recognition craps and sincere apology craps in defending self-contradicting country. What SK has been doing is simply linking everything, security, sports events, trades, tourism, etc as 10 times as big retaliation against mere off-the preferential list status.

Hwabyung at it's finest!

5 ( +11 / -6 )

What happened to https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Japan-OKs-first-S-Korea-high-tech-export-since-curbs-but-with-a-warning . . .

And now this.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

,Japan’s missile defense capability is believed to be the second strongest in the world, after the US. Significantly, for the past two decades, the US has taken steps to strengthen Japan’s missile defense capability, based on the two countries’ shared interest in countering China

Where did you get this information?

Because according to NATO, the NYTimes, and many other places, Russia is regarded has having by far the best missile defense system in the world. Second comes in at the US. Third is China and that is because they use the exact same system the Russians use because the Russians sold it to them and built it. After that comes Turkey. Turkey was evening willing to completely disregard US warnings and go to war over accepting the Russian missile defense system.

https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/russias-approach-us-missile/

Here is an article from a Japanese news agency discussing that the Japanese defense system is currently failing standards and that multiple detection systems are unable to detect anything. The systems were even facing the wrong way at 4 out of 9 sites.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190610/p2a/00m/0na/017000c

The US introduced a new system this year in hopes of countering the Russian defense system.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Just a political move by Moon.  The sharing agreement was less than 3 years old, so reversion to the prior arrangements, while possibly not ideal, should still be sufficient for now.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@showchinmono

Your comment nailed it perfectly the situation with S. Korea

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Where did you get this information?

I provided the link. It’s from Korea. I went out of my way to find it for a reason.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Next may be a termination of GSOMIA with the US whatever, because Kim Jong-Un really wants this. He said N Korea and S Korea will not be together as long as GSOMIA exists. Well, Moon and Kim are like brothers.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

South Korea needs to kick The US out and finely join up with North. With the amount of natural resources and knowhow they would be an amazing power. Japan would be screwed.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Here is an article from a Japanese news agency discussing that the Japanese defense system is currently failing standards and that multiple detection systems are unable to detect anything. The systems were even facing the wrong way at 4 out of 9 sites.

And why are talking about a new system that hasn’t been implemented versus that of current on site BMD?

The point of contention here is whether GSOMIA hurts Japan’s BMD or Korea’s

6 ( +10 / -4 )

He said N Korea and S Korea will not be together as long as GSOMIA exists. Well, Moon and Kim are like brothers.

That's quite some barrel scraping there

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

N Korea fired missiles into Sea of Japan sometimes. Japan is not much worried about it, because NK will never drop it in Japan's soil, If NK did it, it will never get any more money and economy help from Japan. NK has been waiting for large amount of money from Japan for decades after peace treaty is made. NK shoots missiles into sea, it means Kim Jong-Un really wants to walk with Trump again to end the Korean war. GSOMIA may be a little important for security but not critically necessary and Japan is not at war with N Korea.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

South Korean "Intelligence" isn't very reliable or dependable by the Japanese anyway.

In fact, the reason why Japan banned high tech exports to S. Korea is BECAUSE these products ended up in North Korea via South Korea and were used to make the very missiles that the North is shooting at Japan.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

Good Job, the Republic of Korea! Terminate that military cooperation is good for Asia's safety and solidarity! History will marks this courages step leaped in by President Moon! "Moon Jae-In" is a hero!

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Last time I checked, it sure wasn't the Japanese government that went on a temper tantrum and whined to the world media that they would never lose again to South Korea, it certainly wasn't the Japanese government that actively and passively encouraged anti-Korean protests throughout Japan. It matters not to these irrational people that Japan was more than justified in taking South Korea off the white list. You can tell these people the truth over and over and they continue to ignore and keep droning on about "German sincerity/Japanese textbook."

So let me set the record straight for the 120th time on this website.

First, Japan had EVERY right to take South Korea off the white list, more than 156 cases of export violations. In what universe is a country not allowed to take action against another country that continually violates export controls. This alone shows you the lunacy of those who blindly back South Korea and shout out this fact with irrelevant topics about comfort women.

Second, Germany has NOT shown greater atonement for its past as compared to Japan. Third, Japanese school children in general (more than 99%) are NOT taught a 'revised' version of their history, with references to past atrocities completely omitted.

3 ( +15 / -12 )

it means Kim Jong-Un really wants to walk with Trump again to end the Korean war. 

correction:

it means Kim Jong-Un really wants to TALK with Trump again to end the Korean war.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

There are three sides to every argument. One side each that both sides of the argument sees and then the point where both sides converge.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Moon is a left wing North Korean sympathizer. He has done everything that Kim wants. For decades every US President has refused to meet Kim (I II or III) but Moon saw an opportunity to give North Korea what they wanted in an idiotic egotistical Trump. So now that Kim has been raised to the level of meeting a US President, what has he done in terms of what the US wants? Nothing. Now Kim has turned his focus on destroying the US-JPN-SK military alliance. I have no doubt that under Moon, South Korea has turned, and behind Kim Jong Un is Xi Jing Ping...

Time to pull our troops out of South Korea....now before it's too late.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

Moon is a left wing North Korean sympathizer. He has done everything that Kim wants.

Yep. He should realize that under the Kim family dynasty there will be no reunification without the Kim family at the top. Maybe that's what he wants... if not he should really consider what happens to those who are seen as a threat to the leadership... even within their own family.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

how childish...

1 ( +5 / -4 )

@OssanAmerica

That is not fully true. Clinton was the first leader willing to meet with North Korea. So during the end of his Presidency, he sent the secretary of state to meet with Kim Jong Il. The negotiating was going well. Once Bush became President, he sent a letter to North Korea disregarding all previous deals discussed under Clinton and insisted that until full disarmament was in place there would be no deal for North Korea. This led to Kim not wanting to meet any further Presidents.

What I can agree with you on is that Moon is a pawn. But not a North Korean pawn, he is a Pawn of China and doesn't know it. Since Russia-China alliance wants to further establish their footing. Destabilizing the US presence and its allies in Asia is a key way of doing that. Moon wants to establish himself and truly make a name for himself. Also, Moon worked under former President Roh who was anti-American.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

I thought a lot of you have said Japan doesn’t need any intel from SK and is actually better off without them so why crying foul now over some useless military pact?

Let revisionists be revisionists and victims continue to cry aloud over the sufferings of innocent Japanese. I realized nothing will change their minds. I hope their next generation is better informed and ready for a dialogue with neighbors.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I foresee through crystal ball that Korean youth protesting more violently on the street than Hong Kongers , against quasi-united peninsula under Kim regime. Too bad you replaced Park Geun-hye with this "spy of a North Korea" (according to what Anti-Moon protesters shout out although hardly being reported here) as your leader. By the time you realize such nightmare, it would be too late as no other countries would accept Korean immigrants any longer. Pro-North ethnic Koreans would rather be losing PR status here and there.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Germany has NOT shown greater atonement for its past as compared to Japan.

@old man -

Germany: Numerous monuments to victims in Germany, outlawing of denial of the Holocaust, apologies offered and not denies by prominent political leaders.

Japan: Zero monuments to victims of sexual slavery, forced labour or human experimentation, widespread condoning of those who seek to water down or outright deny the past wrongs and past apologies.

Germany has shown a far greater level of atonement than Japan. How anybody argues otherwise, I have no idea.

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

HeckleberryToday  

06:50 am JST

But not only did it fail to win him the super majority for scrapping of Article 9, but it backfired badly with SK's high tech industries hardly affected and preparing to be independent of Japan's raw materials in time

If I recall correctly, SK may try to go independent but they gonna have to dance around it since most of those raw materials have patents applied on it and only Japanese-know-how can churn those at very high quality.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

"What??? We have to wait **UP TO** 90 DAYS for some high tech materials to be approved for export from Japan??? SEVER DIPLOMATIC TIES IMMEDIATELY!!!!!"

This is beyond farcical. The South Korean government has lost all credibility.

@Hillclimber - except no diplomatic ties were severed, just a military intelligence sharing pact which has existed for 3 years.

And of course you fail to mention Japan taking the view that SK was a national security threat. So why share military intelligence?

The thing is you know all this, but choose to leave out facts as it does not suit the narrative.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Heckleberry

Do your research and find out how Poland just this past week has asked compensation from Germany in the hundreds of billions of Euros and Germans said No!

Past agreement settled such claims as compensation! It's what Germany said.

Same with S. Korea, Japan agreement of 1965 to normalize relations.

Germany would not side with SKorea on this issue.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Mr. Moon's temper tantrum will only hurt South Korea and isolate it further. By the way who are South Korea's neighbors and friends? Oh, they don't have any? That's not normal. The Japanese don't care about SK not sharing intelligence they can get it through the US. It was SK that benefitted the most from the GSOMIA agreement anyway. Often, right before people cmmit suicide, they give away their stuff and isolate themselves. Is that what's about to happen here?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

By the way who are South Korea's neighbors and friends? Oh, they don't have any? That's not normal.

@Richard- Who are Japan's neighbours and friends? None? Oops..

It was SK that benefitted the most from the GSOMIA agreement anyway.

Would you care to elaborate? It was a symbolic pact, hardly utilised in the past 12 months from what I've read.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

And the classless petulant nation award goes to................Korea

3 ( +9 / -6 )

a surprise announcement

Actually, it's not surprising at all. We all saw the picture of Japan and SK's foreign ministers meeting to "try and restore ties", and we saw how reluctant Kang Kyung-wha was to be seen anywhere near Taro Kono. That meeting was just a photo op, nothing more. It was a whitewash to try and trick Japan into thinking that things were about to get better, but it looked like Taro Kono saw this coming as much as everyone else did.

If this is what South Korea wants to do, then they had best prepare for the consequences. They just stabbed their closest (geographically speaking) ally in the back. Again. When Kim Jong-un starts intimidating South Korea again, and he will, the people will expect answers from Moon Jae-in, and the answers they get will either be lies or else the unpleasant truth. Either way, his time in office is severely limited. This is not going to end well, and innocent people will suffer for it, all because the nationalist, anti-Japanese fools in power want to flex their puny muscles and feed their egos.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Japan can do what-ever it wants, with their obvious tit for tat, with removing SK from the export list..

BUT, SK can play that game too...

You cannot even compare what Germany has done since ww2, with Japan...

Japan is full-speed ahead with victim-hood... Every year, another generation is slowly brainwashed into the, we we're just innocent victims, mindset.

I've even heard school kids ask, what happened first, pearl harbor or hiroshima... Unfortunately, not kidding...

Yes, most Japanese recognize, pearl harbor was something Japan did, but everything else after that is explained away with, "Of, well your country did it too, so we're even..."

No.... Not quite.... Not even close...

Someone, anyone, cough up one example, just one monument to dedicated to the victims of Japan's atrocities...

(NOT to Japan itself, but the millions of people that were killed because of Japan's war of aggression)

Anyone..?

HINT: It doesn't exist...

Matter of fact, you'll see Japanese come out of the wood work screaming bloody murder if anyone, any city, anywhere in the world, even places a Comfort woman statue, or anything of the likeness... Unbelievable...

You'd think, someone was threatening their first born... crazy.... silliness...

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

Germany: Numerous monuments to victims in Germany, outlawing of denial of the Holocaust, apologies offered and not denies by prominent political leaders.

Japan: Zero monuments to victims of sexual slavery, forced labour or human experimentation, widespread condoning of those who seek to water down or outright deny the past wrongs and past apologies.

Germany has shown a far greater level of atonement than Japan. How anybody argues otherwise, I have no idea.

The only statement you mention that has any factual basis is the comparative numbers of monuments in remembrance of past victims. But that is hardly indicative of which country has more atoned for its past. Your statement that there is widespread condoning in Japan of those who seek to water down or outright deny the past has zero factual basis. It is simply your unfounded opinion. Atonement applies to ALL citizens of a country, and even by that measure Germans as a whole have hardly been better than Japanese citizens.

The far right has made a disturbing resurgence in Germany the past several decades, where neo nazi's are openly marching on the street on the day of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust. Far right parties have also made a comeback in Germany, with certain politicians offering a revisionist version of German history. Dozens of people have been killed in Germany the past several decades based on neo nazi gangs. But, let's conveniently ignore all of that, and continue to parrot the tired old "Germany/Germans have more atoned for their past" trope.

The Japanese Diet outlawed hate speech in 2016. Multiple Japanese Prime Ministers have made powerful statements of apologies to the victims of its past aggression. That some extremist Japanese politicians made statements denying the past bears no relevance to these statements, anymore than extremist German politician's statements water down or invalidate past German apologies.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Readers, please stay on topic. Germany is not relevant to this discussion.

South Korean "Intelligence" isn't very reliable or dependable by the Japanese anyway.

In fact, the reason why Japan banned high tech exports to S. Korea is BECAUSE these products ended up in North Korea via South Korea and were used to make the very missiles that the North is shooting at Japan.

That's pretty much a groundless accusation to me. I've never heard or read about a single piece of hard evidence being presented or found by the Japanese Government. Something smells fishy in all of this fiasco. :)

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

One thing is clear. Trump has failed to keep America's two staunchest SE Asian allies in check. Trump has neglected where all previous presidents have prioritised.

Trump and Bolton's global politics of chaos and neglect is now showing the results. China and Russia will firm up this side of the Pacific and you can blame everyone who voted Trump in.

Conspiracy theorists might say that Trump is a Russian plant and Moon is North Korean.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

As Martin Luther King Jr., said, ‘We must learn to live together as sisters and brothers, or we will perish together as fools.’

5 ( +5 / -0 )

South Korea needs to kick The US out and finely join up with North. With the amount of natural resources and knowhow they would be an amazing power. Japan would be screwed.

Japan GDP $4.9 trillion.

South Korea GDP $1.5 trillion.

North Korea GDP $40 billion.

I think you typo'd on the sentence Japan would be screwed. Or I guess it's back to maths and economics class for you..

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Say what you will about the Koreans, but this headline is patently false and inflammatory. The intelligence is a rolling deal which can be renewed annually. The Koreans haven't "terminated" anything: they simply chose not to renew the deal for another year.

3. This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of one year and shall be automatically extended annually

thereafter unless either Party notifies the other in writing through the diplomatic channel ninety days in

advance of its intention to terminate the Agreement.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Japan is not so angry.

Just pretending to be angry in front of America.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Korea understands Japan only too well and this decision to cease participation in GSOMIA together with other provocative, albeit understandable actions, could be part of a calculated gamble that Japan will eventually overreact in a way that points to its atavistic darker side still lurking in the shadows. Anything which suggests a reversion to the less measured, more unpredictable Japan, which our forefathers had to confront and which the emperor famously cautioned about in his surrender address when he exhorted his subjects to “Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world” would be seen by the Koreans as a gain. Knowing that they would likely be the biggest casualty if things go all pear shaped, Korean residents of Japan are likely to be watching this unfold with growing trepidation.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

This must be National KIM Jung Un day!

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Japan brought this on itself, and it's high time SK did this. Japan refused to prove any claims they made about security reasons for banning exports to SK, when it was clearly just a tit-for-tat measure over SK refusing to forget the comfort women and slavery issues. Good on SK for standing strong. Red-face Popeye can call it "regrettable" as much as he wants.

-7 ( +11 / -18 )

So with this SK representing whom? we do not know, have successfully "isolated" Japan from the Continental Asia, economically and militarily.

Now as all investigators do... follow the MONEY.

How is SK and NK being supported economically?

How and who is supporting SK militarily (which is what intelligence primarily is for)?

It appears that by removing Japan, they are also removing the US, even if they are buying more fighters. Are the new fighter purchase to benefit the allies of US or a step to "betray" that trust too?

Who benefits the most from SK NOT being associated and sharing information with Japan?

It certainly helps NK, but it helps China and Russia more. They are the two huge power houses that can affect Japan.

BUT still "who" is FUNDING their current attitudes and atrocities against Japan?

All 3, SK, China and Russia have recently caused more Japan SDF "scrambles" in the air and on the seas. Does it correlate to this entire irrational move by SK?

Only time will tell... but the "threat" on Japan is much more obvious and imminent.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Folks, you’re taking this too far. Korea will not share military information with Japan. That’s it. This alone is a strong enough statement.

It doesn’t mean Korea won’t share military intelligence with the US. It will.

It doesn’t mean the US can’t or won’t share military intelligence with Japan. It will.

It doesn’t mean Japan won’t have any information on NK missiles fired. It will.

It’s only that information Japan receives won’t be from Korea.

We’re moving in the opposite direction and this will have to bottom out before it improves.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Korea understands Japan only too well and this decision to cease participation in GSOMIA together with other provocative, albeit understandable actions, could be part of a calculated gamble that Japan will eventually overreact in a way that points to its atavistic darker side still lurking in the shadows. 

This really is an inverted reality. Amazing job the Korean education/propaganda system has done that anybody actually believes this.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Meanwhile, back in the Moscow - Beijing den they're planning how to best exploit this break between these two love doves. Korea & Japan should know by now how their unity is vital for regional peace. These two are the greatest losers. Who will take the leadership?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Moon is acting like Trump. How many treaties and agreement will he violate in order to get whatever he wants? sk conservatives seem to have better heads on their shoulders than hatred filled boycotting liberals. They are making big mistakes. I hope the world wouls see through it.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@quercetum

It doesn’t mean the US can’t or won’t share military intelligence with Japan. It will.

The US can't, at least the info that Japan desperately wants.

All US intelligence acquired on Korean soil must receive a Korean consent before being transferred to a third country. Hence US cannot transfer any of radar data acquired from its own radars deployed in Korea.

On top of that, even the US depended on Korea for primary NK ballistic missile radar surveillance and detection.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Ramp up the rhetoric, ramp up the fear, getting tired of this.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan refused to prove any claims they made about security reasons for banning exports to SK,

Japan has been asking more details of 156 illegal exports from S Korea that it just released the list of companies very suddenly, but It still has not answered the more details of these illegal exports. The list has only dates, name of companies, NO destinations/NO end users of the materials and products. Why not answer to Japan?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

This is entirely Abe's fault. Quote from above: "Since early last month, Japan has imposed stricter controls on exports to South Korea of three chemicals essential for manufacturing semiconductors and display screens — key export items for South Korea — and decided to remove South Korea from a list of countries granted preferential trade status" (my emphasis). There were no direct conflicts affecting international issues between Japan and South Korea before then. There was a SK domestic issue: The Supreme Court order Japanese companies to pay its former slave laborers. But this only concerned Japanese companies in Japan.

For about 2 weeks Abe said little if anything about Japan making it harder for SK to buy the chemical necessary for semiconductors and display screens. Then made vague remarks about SK's supposedly deficient trustworthiness.

Abe is typically shortsighted. He did not realize that he had put the computer industry but also betrayed SK's trust. So how SK trust Japan after that?

Abe could end this mess by begging for forgiveness. He is need to grovel big time.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Where is restriction its nowhere its just fill up the paper works n import. N japan has already allowed two shipments. So who is begging n appealing to all. N is SK supreme court chief justice name also Park Poo Abe or what as moon will b begging to him soon

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Shinzo didn't take kindly to being sidelined during the recent SK-NK-USA peace talks, and wanted to show his countrymen he was a top dog and not a lap dog, just in time for the elections too

Ive always tried to understand who is Abes base. Nobody seems to vote, so who is he appealing too? Nuts in vans with speakers, thats a minority, Nippon Kaigi? I dont think the average Taro or Yuki cares. Is it his own ambitions?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I see more negative impacts on SK than on Japan already

"South Korea’s exports for the first 20 days of August fell 13 per cent from a year earlier, pointing to a ninth successive monthly decline"

https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3023957/south-koreas-economy-facing-perfect-storm-japan-trade

"Korean won plunges to 3-year low amid diplomatic row with Japan "

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2019/08/175_273417.html

"Debt by Korean salaried workers rise 7.4 on yr in 2018 amid stagnant income and economy"

https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2019&no=621075

"S. Korean stocks open lower on tech losses"

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190823000244

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Good job, South Korea! Japan is not wort to deal with whatsoever! The contribution by President "Moon Jae In " will be marked in the history books for later generations!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

These are two of the oldest continuous cultures in Asia and they behave like small children having tantrums and hitting themselves and each other as they respond to mindless PRIDE. There are NO issues between Japan and Korea (both) which, with the removal of this infantile rivalry we see, wouldn't just VANISH and allow these two headstrong cultures to form the STRONG alliance that would raise both in this world into a better position to confront the enormous bullies they are surrounded by. Smart people but FOOLISH people who bicker between themselves while the bullies just do whatever they want to them. Neither Japan nor Hanguk wants to be a country militarily occupied by another country but they have NO CHOICE. Only together will they ever be able to throw off the U.S. Occupation that is strangling both. But this kind of behavior is characteristic of conservative regimes who must control the mentalities of their confused followers through fear because, otherwise, their quasi-criminal behaviors would be WAY TOO OBVIOUS. This is Abe. And it is Japan, who with the wave of a checkbook could satisfy Hanguk's sense of injury, who refuses to bend, and the narcissistic diplomatic arteriosclerosis evident now in Japanese policy is the same disease which gave us the Greater East Asian Co-prosperity Sphere, and the eventual horrific inhumanity of two nuclear weapons, at the start of Japan's highly unfortunate emulation of European psychopathy back in 1910. JAPAN! YOU TOOK ANYTHING YOU WANTED FROM KOREA FOR 35 YEARS! It's time to give something more back. Don't deny YOUR DEBT, the world won't believe you. And this, Nihon, is from a FAN.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

500 million Hyundai n samsung seoul university n samsung r much more japan has given them back bt the hate lies blames r due for japan to give to SK

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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