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Why the world should be watching the diplomatic crisis between Japan and South Korea

Increasing tensions between Seoul and Tokyo have serious implications for regional stability and, explains Kim Sengupta, will definitely cause a big headache for the White House

Tuesday 27 August 2019 22:26 BST
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South Korea’s Moon Jae-in (left) and Japan’s Shinzo Abe will likely look to Trump to solve the escalating diplomatic spat between the two nations
South Korea’s Moon Jae-in (left) and Japan’s Shinzo Abe will likely look to Trump to solve the escalating diplomatic spat between the two nations

A geopolitical crisis is unfolding in Asia. It is not one which comes immediately to mind: the confrontation with Iran in the Gulf, India’s abolition of Kashmiri statehood, the continuing protests in Hong Kong, America’s trade war with China, or North Korea’s latest missiles launch. It is, instead, one which is unexpected and surprising between two states; democracies which should be natural, intrinsic allies against totalitarian neighbours: Japan and South Korea.

The confrontation, which is escalating, has had only sporadic coverage in the west. The consequences, however, are serious, with the strategic balance being shifted and bringing instability to the region. Neither side seemingly wants to be seen to be backing down, and the pace of diplomatic and economic sanctions against each other have risen in tempo along with combative rhetoric.

From trade issues to security pacts, what is unfolding at present is part of a bitter harvest of the past – but more on that later. The latest diplomatic salvo came from Seoul on Thursday, terminating an intelligence deal between the nations because of an earlier decision by Tokyo to downgrade South Korea’s preferential trade status.

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