Japan-Korea WTO talks held for the second time Switzerland

Japan-Korea WTO talks to be held for the second time November 19, Switzerland 4:08

On the 19th, Japan and South Korea will hold a second bilateral consultation in Switzerland based on the WTO = World Trade Organization dispute resolution procedure, over Japan's measures to tighten export controls for South Korea. While Japan says it is a necessary measure for security, South Korea has not changed its claim that it is a violation of the WTO rules, and it is difficult to compromise.

The bilateral talks, in response to the fact that the Japanese government has tightened the export control of three items such as semiconductor raw materials for South Korea, has entered into a procedure to file a suit with the WTO in September. First, it is done in order to find a solution between the countries concerned.

This is the second time since last month. The Japanese government has been the Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Soichiro Kuroda, and the South Korean government has the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Resources, Jeong Hye-gwang (Dinghai). The 19th will be held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Regarding the strengthening of export control for South Korea, the Japanese government says that it is a measure to more appropriately control exports of items that may be diverted to military use, while the Korean government has violated WTO rules. Does not change the claim that it should be withdrawn.

For this reason, it is difficult for both parties to walk up in the second round of discussions, and there is a high possibility that the conflict between the Japanese and Korean governments over Japan's measures will be left to the “sub-committee”, which is the WTO court. It is.

The Japanese government claims

The Japanese government said that in July the measures that tightened export control of three items such as semiconductor raw materials for South Korea were a review of operations necessary to prevent Japan's advanced technology from being used for military purposes.

Even after reviewing the operation, after reviewing each of the three export contracts and confirming that there is no risk of diversion, it is prohibited by the WTO, not an “embargo”, because an export permit has been issued. Argues that it is not a restrictive measure of trade.

In addition, the fact that it is recognized as an exception to the WTO rules if it is a necessary measure for the security of its own country is based on the fact that there is no problem in dealing with Japan.

Regarding Japan's measures, South Korea has expressed the view that it would be difficult to review the decision to destroy the GSOMIA Japan-Korea Military Information Comprehensive Protection Agreement, which will expire on the 23rd of this month unless Japan withdraws the strengthening of export controls.

However, the Japanese government says that the domestic measures of revising the operation of export control and the handling of intergovernmental agreements on military information are completely different issues, and the Korean side cannot accept the claim.

The Korean government claims

Regarding the strict export control of the three items such as semiconductor raw materials for South Korea by the Japanese government, the Korean government argues that it violates the WTO = World Trade Organization rules in three ways.

First, he argues that he violates the obligation to operate trade regulations fairly and rationally, as “based on political motives related to the Korean case over“ recruitment ”during the Pacific War”.

He also accuses him of violating non-discrimination obligations as “discriminatory measures aimed only at Korea”.

In addition, Japan claims that it has also violated the WTO rules prohibiting export restrictions, saying that only three export permits have been issued to Korea in the three months after strict export control of three items. doing.

“On the 18th, if Japan does not actively engage in discussions, Korea will be the next step.” “I think we should proceed with the establishment of a“ subcommittee ””, and if this is not the case, we will show the possibility of requesting the establishment of a “subcommittee” which is the court of the WTO, and are ready to make concessions. .

In addition, the Korean government has urged Japan and the United States to review its decision to cancel before the expiry of the 23rd of this month. If this is the case, we are in a position to reconsider the decision to discard.

The issue of strengthening export controls for South Korea is seen as one of the important factors that determines whether South Korea will review its decision to discard GSOMIA.