There is rising tension between Korea and Japan over Japan's decision to perform a maritime survey that extends into Korea's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to international law, you need a country's permission before you do a survey in its EEZ. Japan is pursuing the plan unilaterally, without permission.
Our government has issued a strong warning, saying it will "use all means to stop" the activity if Japan tries to go ahead without permission, but the Japanese government is not bending, saying the action would not violate international law. It is clear Japan is deliberately trying to create controversy. You worry about a physical confrontation between the two countries, with our side seizing a survey ship and the Japanese engaging in noncompliance.
The Japanese government's "dangerous" gamble appears to be related to its long-held aim of making Dokdo a disputed territory, because if Japan carries through with its plans the conflict could extend beyond the issue of EEZs and turn into a controversy over Dokdo. One observation being made is that Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe is trying to rally the conservative right by deliberately causing tension with Korea.
This action on the part of the Japanese government is part of the overall rightward turn of Japanese politics. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has gone ahead and worshiped at Yasukuni Shrine despite the opposition of Korea and China, and last month Japan's education ministry told high school textbook publishers to state that Dokdo is part of Japanese territory. You get the impression you are looking not at a "normal country" but an "aggressor nation."
The government has to be strong in response to Japan's provocations. Korea needs to cooperate with surrounding nations such as China to make Japan's attempts to ruin the peace between nations widely known.
The Hankyoreh, 17 April 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] 'Normal Country' Japan Becoming 'Aggressor Nation'? |
