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| Rep. Lee Hae-chan, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly, Tuesday. |
By Park Ji-won
Rep. Lee Hae-chan, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), stressed the necessity of the military information-sharing agreement with Japan for peace in Northeast Asia regardless of the trade spat between the neighboring countries, during a press conference, Tuesday.
Regarding the proposed abolition of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Lee said, "I think the pact is necessary to maintain peace in Northeast Asia. Some claim it is absurd to seek military cooperation with Japan when the two neighboring countries have strained economic relations. I think it should be seen in a more comprehensive and considerate manner."
The minor parties have been claiming that leveraging the cancellation of the GSOMIA could be a negotiation card with Japan while the main and second-largest opposition parties opposed the idea. The issue came under media scrutiny as President Moon Jae-in's national security adviser, Chung Eui-yong, reportedly told lawmakers earlier that South Korea could review whether or not to renew the pact.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga implied Monday that Tokyo will resume the agreement this year regardless of the diplomatic situation.
Suga said during a regular press briefing that the pact has been automatically renewed every year since 2016, based on the belief that it will improve bilateral security cooperation and contribute to regional peace and stability.
He said the relations between the two are now extremely strained, but the Japanese government believes it is important for the two to work together in the necessary fields.
South Korea and Japan need to renew the intelligence agreement every year. The pact can be scrapped by either country by giving unilateral notice by Aug. 24, this year's deadline.
Lee however stressed that sport exchanges, such as participating in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, should continue as they are separate from the current situation.
"The two countries could get emotional against each other, but they should rebuild their relationship as they are neighbors," he said.
"It is a rare opportunity for an Asian country to hold the Olympics. It is not desirable for the DPK to oppose it as sports exchanges are not related to the trade retaliation."
Lee also said his party will announce comprehensive countermeasures on Japan's trade regulations in a move to tackle the dispute, including a special committee on development in the material industry which is heavily influenced by the trade spat.
Lee also urged the North to stop military provocations such as firing missiles as it could damage the trust between the two countries, as well as with the U.S. ahead of resuming high-level denuclearization talks.
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