South Korea Is Hesitant on Japan Military Logistics Pact

(MENAFN) South Korea said on Sunday that it has held discussions with Japan over a proposed bilateral military logistics support agreement, while maintaining a cautious stance toward the idea, according to reports.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back made the remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore following talks with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a news agency reported.

Ahn said, “There were discussions regarding an (potential) ACSA (acquisition and cross-servicing agreement),” but did not provide further details.

He added, “As this is a matter that requires understanding and persuasion from the peoples of both countries, we still believe that we should remain cautious,”

An ACSA is typically an agreement used by the United States and its allies to facilitate logistical cooperation during military operations, including the sharing of fuel, food, transportation, and other support services in contingency situations.

Japan has been seeking a bilateral agreement with South Korea as part of broader efforts to strengthen defense coordination between the two countries.

However, Seoul remains hesitant due to domestic sensitivities and concerns that such an arrangement could potentially allow Japan’s Self-Defense Forces a more direct operational role on the Korean Peninsula, as well as broader geopolitical considerations involving relations with China.

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