Seoul, May 8: A South Korean defense ministry official stated on Friday that the country is not considering signing an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with Japan. This announcement follows reports indicating that Tokyo aims to advance such an agreement.
Japan seeks to make progress in future discussions regarding this agreement with South Korea. These talks may advance following the “two-plus-two” security meeting held on Thursday between deputy ministers of defense and foreign affairs from both nations.
According to the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the ACSA is a bilateral agreement typically established between the U.S. and its allies to facilitate the sharing of logistics such as food, fuel, and transportation in times of crisis or war.
A South Korean defense ministry official stated, “We are not considering signing an ACSA between South Korea and Japan.” He further emphasized that the South Korean government will continue to maintain stable and future-oriented cooperation and exchanges in defense with Japan, based on mutual respect and trust.
Tokyo desires an agreement between the armed forces of both countries to strengthen defense cooperation, which would also enhance trilateral collaboration with the United States, a shared ally of both nations.
Japan believes that such an agreement would aid in robust deterrence against threats from North Korea and potential military provocations, while also addressing security concerns related to China. However, Seoul remains cautious about this issue, fearing it could pave the way for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to engage in military activities on the Korean Peninsula.
Additionally, historical issues related to Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945 are significant reasons for this caution.
The “two-plus-two” security talks held on Thursday marked the first high-level meeting of its kind, elevated from director-general level discussions that began in 1998.
Following the meeting, South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that both countries agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination, recognizing that bilateral cooperation and trilateral partnerships with the U.S. have become more critical than ever.
Furthermore, Seoul and Tokyo are discussing a potential visit by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to South Korea in mid-May for a summit with President Yoon. They are also in talks regarding the possibility of Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visiting Seoul in June.
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