Japan and South Korea are set to "enhance cooperation in the military domain," signalling the possibility of a new political dynamic in East Asia.
South Korean Defence Ministry said the two sides began talks to finalise an "acquisition and cross-servicing agreement". Designed to encourage the two sides to provide supplies and services to each other in a limited way, the proposed pact would be the first-ever defence accord between the two countries. Guidelines for the exchange of military intelligence were also under discussion now.
Japanese sources said defence cooperation with Seoul, as "good neighbours," would be "important" in view of the "sensitive situation on the Korean peninsula". Japanese spokesman Hidenobu Sobashima said the initiative was an "independent move" unrelated to the rise of China as such. Last month, Japan had pledged to bolster its "defence" in view of "concerns over the military modernisation by China".
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