Japan Military Build-Up Concerns Roh

On October 20, President Roh expressed concern over Japan’s attempts to increase its military build-up after North Korea’s recent nuclear test. He said, “Can we trust that the Japan’s military build-up is for peaceful purposes? That move causes some concerns among its neighboring countries.”

During a meeting with Japanese foreign minister Taro Aso, President Roh pointed out, “When today’s attitude looking back upon the past is trustful for neighbors, they can trust the future as well,” said an official of Cheong Wa Dae.

His statement is understood to urge Japan to make more efforts to recover its trust among neighbors on historical issues. It is also thought to warn of Japan’s military build-up attempts made after the North’s recent nuclear test.

The Japanese foreign minister responded, “We have no intention to change the course of the non-proliferation policy.”

“It is important to seek peaceful diplomatic solutions while fully complying with our obligations under the U.N resolution based on mutual respect and deep understanding” said the president, highlighting the following-measures of the resolution.

The president particularly stressed, “The public agrees that the top priority is a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue without intensifying tensions on the peninsula.”

Regarding to the inter-Korean economic cooperation such as the Mt. Geumgang resort and the Gaesong Industrial Complex, Mr. Aso said, “The U.S. and Japan understand Korea’s position and policies on the issue. It is a matter that Korea decides of its own will. We cannot mandate anything regarding the issue.”

jyw11@donga.com