Better Security Cooperation Between Japan and South Korea

9 Jan 2023 | APLN

9 January 2023

This week, contributors write on enhancing regional Northeast Asia security through improved Japan-South Korea ties while considering ways to revive negotiations toward a nuclear weapons-free world. Marty Natalegawa discusses ways to get global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives back on track in the Korea Times. And Eunjung Lim shows how South Korea and Japan share a common goal of better security cooperation between the two sides and why both countries must overcome their mutual suspicions for the sake of stronger regional security.

We’re looking forward to an active and productive 2023.

Security Cooperation between South Korea and Japan Needs Strong Leadership

Eunjung Lim, Associate Professor at the Division of International Studies, Kongju National University, says that South Korea and Japan share a common goal of better security cooperation between the two and that both sides must overcome mutual suspicions and animosity. She argues that both sides share some responsibility for the fraught relationship between them and that divisions between Japan and ROK can be overcome through better dialogue and mutual understanding.

Read the Commentary

Putting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Agenda Back on Track

Marty Natalegawa, APLN Chair and Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, discusses ways to get global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives moving forward again after a tough year. 2022 delivered setbacks but opportunities for progress emerged as well, including the formation of the new International Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, an initiative by the Japanese government. Dr Natalegawa urges our community to build on these opportunities and redouble efforts to put nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament talks back on track.

Read the Korea Times column

Securing ASEAN’s Security amidst Geopolitical Divides

Marty Natalegawa, APLN Chair and Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, argues that the increasingly intense contestation among major powers necessitates the renewal of a foresightful approach in maintaining the relevance of ASEAN and in securing its security.

Yoon’s Pursuit of Strong Security Mustn’t Cost the Public’s Peace of Mind

Chung-in Moon, APLN Vice Chair, shares his thoughts on where we’re headed in 2023 in an interview with Hankyoreh. He stressed that the seeds of hope lie in the power and actions of ordinary people who do not want war.

Security in the Asia-Pacific

Chung-in Moon, APLN Vice Chair, published an article on security in the Asia-Pacific and argues that it is important to to reassess the meaning and implications of the Indo-Pacific more critically and revalue the traditional Asia-Pacific concept for inclusiveness, cooperation, and stability.

Political Obstacles in the US-China Nuclear Relationship

Tong Zhao, Senior Fellow at the Nuclear Policy Program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, spoke on “obstacles” in the US-China nuclear relationship at an event hosted by the MIT Security Studies Programme.

Japan’s New Strategic Direction

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy, and Technology, writes on Japan’s new national security documents and Tokyo’s new strategic orientations, arguing that many countries that have traditionally maintained a defensive and pacifist posture are increasingly forced to reconsider their options.

China’s Nuclear Build-up: Implications for India

Manpreet Sethi, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi, reflects on China’s refocus toward expanding its nuclear weapons arsenal. She examines the reasons why China has become active in its nuclear build-up, analyses some of the Chinese explanations, and offers some suggestions for India’s response.

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