Strengthening export control to South Korea Bilateral talks for Korean WTO complaint October 11th 4:07
Japan and South Korea's bilateral talks started on the evening of the 11th, Japan time, as the Korean government entered the procedure for appealing to the WTO = World Trade Organization because it was unreasonable for Japan to tighten export controls for Korea. Done in Switzerland.
The Korean government entered into a procedure to file a lawsuit with the WTO last month regarding the strict export control of three items such as semiconductor raw materials for Korea since July.
According to the WTO regulations, as the first step of the procedure, the parties concerned will first consult with each other. The two governments will be on the 11th in Geneva, Switzerland, where the WTO headquarters is located. We will hold a consultation between countries.
From Japan, Mr. Soichiro Kuroda, Director of Trade Organization, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will be attending the meeting.
Until now, Japan has argued that “the domestic operation has been reviewed in order to carry out appropriate export control and has not violated the WTO rules”, whereas Korea has “ It is a discriminatory measure based on WTO rule violations, ”and both sides are expected to make similar claims in bilateral talks.
The gap between the positions of Japan and Korea is so difficult to negotiate, and a “sub-committee” that will be the court of the WTO will be established as early as next month, and there is a high possibility that it will be heard.
What is the bilateral consultation before the complaint?
The WTO has 164 countries and regions, including Japan and South Korea. In the event of a trade dispute between member countries, the WTO rules seek to find a solution through bilateral consultations between the parties as the first step in the proceedings for appeal.
This time, South Korea requested Japan for bilateral consultations on the 11th of last month and entered the procedure for appeal to the WTO. Japan, on the other hand, revealed its policy to respond to the discussion on the 20th of last month.
Bilateral consultations are to be held within 30 days after the date of request for consultation. If the two governments do not agree within 60 days from the date of receiving the request for bilateral consultation, South Korea can file a complaint with the WTO court.
Japan's assertion “Necessary measures for security”
The Japanese government has said that since July the measures that tightened the export control of three items such as semiconductor raw materials for Korea are a review of the operation of export control necessary to prevent its use for military purposes. .
Prior to this measure, export procedures to Korea were simplified even for raw materials that could be diverted to military use. However, operations were made strict due to the finding of cases that could not be properly managed. Explains that this is a necessary measure for Japanese security.
In addition, after reviewing the operation, individual examinations were conducted for each of the three export contracts, and those that could be confirmed that there was no risk of diversion were issued export licenses. He argues that it is not a restrictive measure for prohibited trade.
The Japanese government intends to explain to the Korean side again the operational procedures necessary for export and the intention of not restricting exports for private use in this bilateral consultation.
South Korea's claim "discriminatory measures based on political motives"
The Korean side raised three points for violating the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the strict export control of three items such as semiconductor raw materials for the Korean government.
First of all, he argues that he violates the obligation to operate the trade regulations fairly and rationally as “based on the political motives associated with the Korean trial of“ recruitment ”during the Pacific War”. .
He also accuses him of violating the non-discrimination obligation as “discriminatory measures aimed only at Korea”.
In addition, Japan claims that it has violated the WTO rules prohibiting export restrictions, saying that only seven export permits have been issued by the 10th after strict export control of three items.
On the other hand, the Korean side said, “I want to listen to Japan's position through bilateral talks and seek a constructive solution together”, and is thinking of trying to break through the situation through bilateral talks. The