The awkward exchange between Tokyo and Seoul over ammunition Japan provided to South Korean troops taking part in a United Nations peacekeeping operation highlights the deep diplomatic difficulties between the two neighbors.
Japan provided 10,000 bullets to South Korean peacekeepers in strife-torn South Sudan on Monday through the U.N. But claims by the two governments over details of the transaction have been inconsistent. The arrangement has also led to speculation Tokyo is trying to curb the nation's self-imposed ban on arms-exports as part of an attempt to expand its military profile. It was the first time Japan has provided arms to a foreign military since World War II.Japan's main government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, reiterated Wednesday that the decision was based on "urgent and humanitarian" needs in the African nation, and said the request was made both by the U.N. and South Korean troops taking part in the mission.
But South Korean officials maintain Seoul asked the United Nations to provide ammunition, not Japan, and received the bullets through the world body.
South Korean troops "asked the U.N. for support in increasing it defense capability and received ammunition through the U.N. No more. No less," said South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young on Tuesday.
Ties between Tokyo and Seoul have been chilled by arguments over Japan's past occupation of Korea and by a dispute over islands claimed by both countries.
Source: WSJ
But South Korean officials maintain Seoul asked the United Nations to provide ammunition, not Japan, and received the bullets through the world body.
South Korean troops "asked the U.N. for support in increasing it defense capability and received ammunition through the U.N. No more. No less," said South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young on Tuesday.
Ties between Tokyo and Seoul have been chilled by arguments over Japan's past occupation of Korea and by a dispute over islands claimed by both countries.
Source: WSJ
