Watching the Japanese response to the recent statements about Korea's new approach to Japan policy that have come from the government and President Roh Moo Hyun, you are left to wonder whether the Japanese government and ruling camp there have an accurate sense of the seriousness of the problem. We hope to see Japan stop misjudging the situation and take appropriate action so as to keep from hurting relations.
Last week the government announced a "new doctrine on Korean-Japanese relations," a change from the traditional emphasis on "quiet diplomacy." Instead of taking it seriously, however, the Japanese government disregarded it by saying it was "for domestic Korean purposes." On Thursday President Roh posted a letter to the Korean public about relations with Japan on the Cheong Wa Dae homepage, a move that appears to be designed to send Japan a clear message. Japan continues to not see the problem for what it is and show an attitude that seems evasive, which is a disappointment.
Over recent years Japan has with its lips repeated apologies and engaged in self-reflection, but meanwhile it has not resisted making provocative behavior that has the potential to harm relations. That shows that issues such as the textbooks with distorted history, the claims made on Dokdo, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's worshiping at Yasukuni Shrine are not isolated and are instead evidence of a structural problem. President Roh defines it as "an attempt to justify a history of aggression and domination and again accomplish hegemony."
The majority of the Korean people do not differ in their thinking. President Roh is right to have said he will deal with the issue prudently and constructively instead of responding with hard-line emotionalism. Still, Japan has to see that beneath all he has said Roh is ready to engage diplomatic warfare if required. The Japanese government and ruling camp need to do some thorough thinking about how the situation came to be what it is and take quick action accordingly. The Korean government, for its part, needs to move swiftly to come up with concrete measures to pursue in realizing its resolve. The opposition, in turn, needs to be non-partisan and not get petty with the government.
The Hankyoreh, 25 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Japan Should Stop Misjudging the Situation |
