Politics
As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’
Key Points
As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’ Former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said Tokyo and Seoul ‘need to step up our own effort for stability in the region’ Kono pointed out that while European countries will still be able to pursue an effective defence alliance to ensure regional peace and stability even without the US, doing so may be impossible for South Korea and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. “Europe, without the United States,...
As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’
Former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said Tokyo and Seoul ‘need to step up our own effort for stability in the region’
Kono pointed out that while European countries will still be able to pursue an effective defence alliance to ensure regional peace and stability even without the US, doing so may be impossible for South Korea and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Europe, without the United States, [would find it] difficult – but it’s possible – [to come up with a plan B] … But for Korea, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, it is almost impossible to come up with a plan B [without the US].”
The discussion was moderated by Moon Chung-in, distinguished professor at Yonsei University and former foreign policy and national security special adviser to former South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans also joined the discussion.