Gyeongju: Following last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in North Gyeongsang Province, the fragile bonds between Korea and Japan are showing signs of strain. This comes after a diplomatic disagreement over the refusal by Japan to allow the Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles to refuel at Naha Air Base in Okinawa. This refusal is linked to the long-standing territorial dispute over Dokdo, which both countries claim.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the request for the Black Eagles to refuel in Okinawa was initially supported by Japan but later denied. This prompted Seoul to cancel the team's participation in an air show in Dubai. The situation escalated as both Seoul and Tokyo canceled joint maritime search-and-rescue training and halted plans for Korean delegates to attend a music festival in Tokyo.
The refusal to allow refueling has added tension to a relationship already strained by historical disputes, including issues of wartime compensation and export restrictions imposed by Tokyo in 2019. The refusal also disrupted efforts to strengthen ties, which had seen a recent improvement during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.
The ongoing territorial dispute over Dokdo remains a significant point of contention. Korea maintains that the islets are historically and geographically part of its territory, justifying military training in the area. Japan's refusal for refueling hindered potential defense cooperation that could have aligned with the vision of both leaders to improve bilateral relations.
In Gyeongju, President Lee expressed optimism about improving relations with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who emphasized the importance of future-oriented bilateral relations. However, Japan's recent actions, including constitutional revisions to expand defense capabilities, have raised regional concerns and tensions with China.
As both nations face broader challenges from U.S. trade pressures and the U.S.-China rivalry, developing multiple layers of cooperation is crucial. The recent events highlight the need for structural mechanisms to prevent disputes from undermining shared interests and to promote regional stability.