Japan, SKorea sign 1st military pact since WWII

TOKYO -- Japan and South Korea agreed on Friday agreed to share intelligence in their first joint military pact since World War II, but then suddenly postponed its formal signing amid a political outcry in Seoul.

The postponement, less than an hour before the ceremony was to be held, was a big embarrassment for leaders of both countries. Japan's foreign minister had earlier Friday called the agreement a "historic event."

The pact had been seen as a breakthrough in ties between two neighbors with a difficult history, but it caused an uproar in South Korea, which was ruled by Japan as a colony for several decades until the end of World War II in 1945.

Japan's Cabinet approved the pact Friday, after South Korea's approval earlier in the week. But Seoul backtracked Friday, saying it would hold off on the formal signing ceremony because of concerns among South Koreans.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said the ceremony was postponed because of a request from Seoul.

Seoul has often been wary of Japan's postwar military development, but the nations have many shared concerns, particularly North Korea and China.

The pact would establish a framework for sharing intelligence in such areas as missile defense, North Korea's nuclear weapons program, Chinese military operations and other regional security matters.

The move to forge the pact reflects deepening mutual concerns that more cooperation is needed to enhance security readiness.

The two countries are increasingly concerned by potential threats from North Korea, which is developing its long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities. They are also closely watching the rise of China's military.

North Korea heightened regional tensions in April with the launch of a rocket that was widely criticized as a test of long-range missile technology. The launch was of particular concern to Seoul and Tokyo because they are within reach of the North's missile arsenal.

Such fears spurred the government efforts to cooperate more closely on intelligence sharing, though the pact remains controversial among some in South Korea.

"An accord for military-information protection with Japan is necessary given the ever-growing threat from the North," South Korea's JoongAng Daily newspaper said in an editorial. "The more quality information we have about the North, the better our security."

But critics say the government in Seoul, fearing a backlash from opponents who don't trust Japan, pushed the pact through without allowing enough public debate.

Along with bitter memories from Japan's often brutal colonial rule of Korea, the two countries remain at odds over a territorial dispute that has marred their relations.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/28/2873592/japan-skorea-sign-1st-military.html

richard hamilton paris jackson paris jackson howard stern americas got talent china aircraft carrier barbara walters most fascinating person 2011 golden globe nominations