How Japan and South Korea diverge on Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait
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The article discusses the differences in perspectives and policies between Japan and South Korea regarding Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait. The emergence of concerns about a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait in both countries is attributed to U.S. President Joe Biden's joint statements with the leaders of Japan and South Korea emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. While both countries express symbolic solidarity, there are significant differences in their approaches. South Korea is more reluctant to publicly engage with Taiwan or express support for its international space, while Japan has a relatively robust and closer relationship with Taiwan. There are also differences in their perspectives on possible U.S. military deployments from allied soil for a cross-Strait contingency, with South Korea being less focused on the Taiwan Strait due to its longstanding existential threat from North Korea. Additionally, South Korean leaders and experts are more concerned about the risk of simultaneous conflicts in the Taiwan Strait and on the Korean Peninsula. The article emphasizes the need for candid discussions and international dialogues to address these differences and develop a more comprehensive approach to the Taiwan Strait issue.

#Japan #SouthKorea #Taiwan #TaiwanStrait #U.s.ForeignPolicy

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-japan-and-south-korea-diverge-on-taiwan-and-the-taiwan-strait/