A Fractured Relationship in A Fiery Region

A Problem of Memory:

Spanning over two thousand years, the history of East Asia permeates the modern-day relations of China, Japan, and South Korea. The three countries share similar traditions, values, and institutions; however, the similarities are often masked by periods of belligerence and violence. The often acrimonious relationship was further complicated with the addition of the United States at the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, effectively creating a divisive political arena with China and North Korea on one side and South Korea, Japan, and the United States on the other. 

Furthermore, the relationship between the United States, South Korea, and Japan faces constant challenges regarding a unified approach towards issues in East Asia, often rooted in the problem of memory. History has continued to play a factor in the relationship between Japan and South Korea. Anger and resentment concerning Japanese colonization and labor issues perpetrated from 1910 to 1945 continue to bubble to the surface. Many Koreans believe the Japanese have not atoned for their crimes, and Japan’s actions counter the apologies. For instance, Japanese government legislation erases the nation’s atrocities committed during World War II from Japanese textbooks.

On the other hand, Japan has expressed its exasperation of South Korean rejection of its attempts to apologize. The political disputes between Japan and South Korea have the potential to lead to global repercussions; however, issues regarding the growing tension in Asia have led to successful talks between Japan and South Korea. Previous controversies demonstrate how to conclude these arguments and how the United States’ involvement can help ameliorate tensions between Japan and South Korea.

Japan and the Republic of Korea’s similarities can help bridge the gap between the two countries. Both have a burgeoning population composed mainly of the elderly. Second, the societies have become more and more globalized in recent years, leading to trade between Japan and South Korea to intertwine. Moreover, both countries are at the center of significant security issues with North Korea’s proliferation of arms and aggressive tactics as well as China’s growing power and aggression.

The Biden Administration and Regional Incursion Effects on Relationship Development:

The United States still holds influence over Asia and has historically played an active role in mediating Japan and South Korea relations. The Biden administration has emphasized its desire to repair the tenuous relationship, particularly as tensions increase in East Asia with North Korean nuclear threats and increasingly volatile Chinese actions. 

Although China does not directly sow discord in the relationship between Japan and South Korea, its actions in the region are a cause for concern. Most recently, on October 1, 2021, China engaged in a four day-long incursion into Taiwanese airspace, with around 150 aircraft flying into Taiwan’s self-defense zone. Analysts believe these actions signal a warning to Taiwan’s President amidst growing domestic support for an official declaration of independence. These intrusions are marked by similar acts of aggression for over a year and increasingly aggressive behavior in China’s foreign policy. The increasing antagonism China has demonstrated towards Taiwan should cause alarm in Seoul and Tokyo and force cooperation. In recent years, China’s actions have demonstrated its readiness for regional conflict through its aggressive military build-up. 

Although South Korea-Japan relations are at an all-time low, to use a common phrase that resurges with every East Asain crisis, historical accords, such as the 1965 Normalization Treaty and the Comfort Women Agreement created in 2015, are proof that Japan and South Korea are capable of coming together and working towards regional security. However, the United States still plays a vital role as a conciliator. As a mediator, the U.S. should continue to create avenues to restore the relationship for functional cooperation and, hopefully, nurture the relationship into a more lasting reconciliation. While the involvement of the United States should not be considered a panacea for the historical grievances by any means, it is an avenue that requires continuous exploration as it fosters constant dialogue. 

The Quad:

Throughout the years, Japan has remained a steadfast ally of the United States. Thus, its reactions to China are dependent on the United States’ assurance of its reliability. Additionally, the United States relies on Japan to act as a stronghold of American foreign policy in Asia. The mutually beneficial relationship is built upon various agreements, one of which is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad, consisting of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. Starting as a maritime cooperation agreement, the Quad has expanded to address other issues such as economics, security, and health concerns in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While China is a concern of the group, the Biden administration has advertised the coalition as an organization investing in the shared values of freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region. However, as China becomes increasingly more aggressive in the Pacific Ocean, the Quad serves as a buffer between China and its participatory members. 

South Korea would benefit significantly from joining this coalition. Over the years, South Korea has actively promoted its role in regional affairs and strived to become a significant player in Asia, mainly through development assistance and economic outreach in Southeast Asia. The addition of South Korea to the Quad would only further increase the nation’s strength in Southeast Asia, an area of great interest to Seoul. Ultimately, South Korea earns a bargaining chip for its foreign policy goals with the United States by joining the Quad, particularly in future negotiations about North Korea. 

China’s reaction to South Korea joining the Quad is a concern for the Moon administration, although it does not necessarily mean retaliation on China’s part. South Korea can look towards the example of Japanese involvement in the Quad while still maintaining a stable relationship with China, particularly where trade is a concern. If the Quad expands, its focus will continue to broaden to various subjects outside of China, such as cooperation amongst its members, as advertised by the Biden Administration. Therefore, retaliation seems less likely as more members join. However, Seoul can further emphasize its cooperation with China through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), of which both Japan and Australia are also participants. 

Nevertheless, China’s continuous shows of aggression should be a clear signal to Japan and South Korea to strengthen their relationship and actively cooperate. The United States must take a more active role as a mediator and promote a functional relationship between Japan and South Korea, convincing South Korea to join the Quad. The United States, can and should, offer South Korea more influence or say in negotiations regarding North Korea. The inclusion of South Korea in the Quad would only further strengthen the United States’ hold and power in the region, acting as a solid counter-balance to China and greatly benefit South Korea in its foreign policy pursuits.