South Korea’s Moon Administration Names Russia, Not Japan, as “Partner” in its White Paper

2019-12-1, Gong Byung-ho TV (공병호TV) (translation)

“On November 29, 2019, the Diplomatic White Paper published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was publicized. Shockingly, it omitted the expression ‘Japan is (our) partner.’ Instead it gave Russia a generous mark. In the 2018 version, the Ministry deleted the phrase “Japan is a valuable neighbor with whom we share values and understanding,” [which was in the previous year’s version]. This year, South Korea-Japan relations are downgraded yet another step. Previous administrations have used ‘friends’ or ‘valuable neighbor’ in the White Paper, no matter how difficult the historical issues were with Japan.

Surprisingly, the term “partner,” which is not used to describe Japan, is used for Russia. As you all know, in July 2018, Russia violated KADIZ (Korean Air Defense Identification Zone) with its numerous military aircraft. It flew in airspace over Ieodo and Jejudo, and flew all over the East Sea, West Sea and the South Sea, putting us in a difficult situation.

In spite of that, the Moon Jae-in administration expressed that South Korea and Russia will substantively develop strategic cooperative partner relations, and that Russia is a partner to us. It will be absolutely difficult for the public to accept prioritizing Russia over Japan in foreign affairs and national security. [truncated]

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5nJQwENYXk&feature=youtu.be