Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated his will to improve Korea-Japan relations, saying in a speech at the National Assembly today (23rd) that he would communicate closely with Korea.



Prime Minister Kishida said in his speech at the regular Diet session, “With Korea, an important neighboring country that needs to cooperate in responding to various challenges in the international community, we will restore and further develop Korea-Japan relations based on the friendly and cooperative relationship after the normalization of diplomatic relations (1965). We will continue to communicate closely."



Prime Minister Kishida expressed his will to improve Korea-Japan relations with the same expression during his speech expressing his convictions at the extraordinary Diet on October 3 last year.



The Japanese Prime Minister's speeches to the National Assembly are divided into two parts: a policy speech to clarify New Year's national affairs tasks during the regular session of the Diet, and a statement of conviction to explain the direction of state affairs during the extraordinary or special session of the Diet.



Prime Minister Kishida only mentioned during his policy speech on January 17 last year, "I will strongly demand an appropriate response (from Korea) based on the consistent position of our country (Japan) regarding Korea, an important neighboring country."



The remarks at the time were interpreted as meaning that the Japanese government would continue to demand corrective measures from the Korean government in accordance with the consistent position of the Japanese government that the Korean court's ruling on compensation for forced labor was a violation of international law.



Prime Minister Kishida's remarks on Korea have changed in a friendly manner since October of last year, which seems to be related to the recent invigoration of discussions between Korea and Japan over the issue of compensation for forced labor following the conclusion of two Korea-Japan summits last year.



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Regarding China, Prime Minister Kishida said, "We will insist on what we need to insist on, including unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and strongly demand responsible action."



However, while keeping in mind that this year is the 45th anniversary of the “Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan,” the two sides will build a “constructive and stable relationship” through the efforts of both sides to cooperate on common issues by steadily repeating dialogues, including between the heads of state, including various pending issues. I will go," he said.



Regarding North Korea, he said, "It is absolutely unacceptable to launch ballistic missiles with unprecedented frequency and manner." We aim to realize it,” he said.



In addition, while emphasizing the early resolution of the issue of Japanese abductions by North Korea, he repeatedly expressed his will for the North Korea-Japan summit, saying, "I am determined to face Chairman Kim Jong-un (North Korean State Affairs) directly without any conditions."



Prime Minister Kishida reiterated his will to fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities, citing the deteriorating international security environment, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.



He said, “Securing a defense budget of 43 trillion yen (approximately 410 trillion won) over five years, possessing a ‘counterattack capability’ that discourages the opponent from attacking, fundamental strengthening of the defense system in the Nansei region, and new innovations such as cyberspace and space We will push for areas to respond, maintain equipment and ammunition, strengthen links between the Korea Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Forces, strengthen the foundation for the defense industry and support equipment transfer (export), and actively promote R&D achievements in the security sector."



"This decision is a major shift in Japan's security policy, but it is implemented within the scope of the Constitution and international law, adheres to the three non-nuclear principles and exclusive defense We would like to make it clear again that our actions will not change at all."



(Photo = Yonhap News)