Moon Jae-in renews name for end-of-war declaration, peace treaty on Korean Peninsula

For a little bit underneath two hours on Friday, former President Moon Jae-in of South Korea sat down with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on the former’s bookstore within the village of Pyeongsan in southeastern Korea for a dialogue that spanned bilateral relations and measures to ascertain lasting peace in Northeast Asia. 

Concerning the hegemonic rivalry between the US and China, North Korea’s hostile rhetoric concerning its possession of nuclear weapons, and the continuing warfare between Russia and Ukraine — three main threats to peace and stability in Northeast Asia — the 2 former leaders confused the necessity for South Korea and Japan to “take the initiative” and lead broader cooperation.

Moon expressed respect for and welcomed Hatoyama’s conscientious stance that Japan should take “infinite duty” for its colonial rule over Korea, and proceed to apologize, because it’s as much as the folks of Korea to find out when the problem has been resolved.

“I’d at all times needed to return to Pyeongsan Books,” stated Hatoyama, including that he “admires” Moon for maintaining an energetic schedule even after his retirement.  

Hatoyama is a part of a political dynasty that has produced two prime ministers over 4 generations, a household also known as the “Kennedys of Japan.” He led the Democratic Occasion of Japan in 2009 to change into the occasion’s first prime minister, forming the nation’s first unified authorities that didn’t contain a coalition with the Liberal Democratic Occasion. His sit-down with Moon got here throughout a private journey to Korea. 

The dialog between Moon and Hatoyama was moderated by Chung-in Moon, a revered international coverage veteran and professor emeritus of Yonsei College. 

Chung-in Moon: How have you ever two been spending time currently?

Moon Jae-in: I work to advertise studying. I volunteer at Pyeongsan Books for an hour or two a day and in addition advocate good books on the bookstore’s YouTube channel. Pyeongsan Books is a public curiosity basis, so all income go towards public welfare initiatives. I’ve been protecting a distance from real-world politics.

Hatoyama: I like and respect that you’re working this public-facing bookstore. It’s additionally spectacular how well-received it’s by the local people. It seems like you’re nonetheless exerting political energy.

In my case, I established a analysis institute for envisioning an “East Asian group” and have been serving as its chair for 13 years now. I wish to make East Asia a area freed from warfare. To attain that purpose, confronting historical past head-on is essential. Subsequently, I contemplate it my responsibility to apologize for the tragedies and hurt Japan inflicted upon Korea and China by wrongful wars up to now. I hope to assist foster an surroundings of communication in order that Korea and Japan can construct a extra reliable relationship.

Moon Jae-in: I respect and am grateful in your steadfast braveness. A place like yours is unpopular in Japan and sometimes faces opposition. I nonetheless keep in mind your [August 2015] go to to the Seodaemun Jail Historical past Corridor, the place you kneeled right down to express regret. I imagine reflecting on the previous sincerely won’t harm Japan’s satisfaction however slightly elevate its integrity and nationwide dignity, thereby restoring Japan’s management within the worldwide group. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s inflexible stance on historic points throughout his second time period was extraordinarily irritating.

Chung-in Moon: What are your ideas on Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi?

Hatoyama: Abe was of the opinion that “One apology is sufficient,” however it isn’t proper for the perpetrator nation to declare, “We did this, so it’s settled.” Apologies should proceed till the victims are moved to say, “That is resolved.” I imagine it’s essential to take infinite duty. Nevertheless, like Abe, Takaichi will doubtless insist the historic conflicts have been “concluded.”

Moon Jae-in:  I’m involved. President Lee Jae Myung doubtless intends to pursue a really pragmatic strategy to relations with Japan. If Takaichi refrains from upsetting and antagonizing the Korean folks over historic points, I imagine relations can enhance and shuttle diplomacy between leaders can resume. Nevertheless, if she continues to make provocative statements and actions like her latest remarks on Dokdo, relations between our two international locations could change into strained once more.

Chung-in Moon: Within the US, the far-right MAGA motion is gaining political energy, and the scenario in Korea and Japan isn’t any completely different. What do you make of the rise of the best?

Hatoyama: Whereas Japan’s financial system has been stagnating for the previous 30 years, Korea and China have achieved outstanding growth. I imagine envy towards these developments has become hatred, resulting in exclusivism. However solely loving one’s personal nation just isn’t patriotism. True patriotism requires loving one’s neighbors as nicely. Japan should overcome its exclusivism to earn the world’s respect.

Moon Jae-in:  I agree. When South Korea’s democracy confronted a disaster because of the Dec. 3 [2024] martial legislation declaration, we swiftly overcame the riot. The world praised the outstanding resilience of Korean democracy. But even now, South Korea’s conservative opposition refuses to apologize for resorting to the acute measure of declaring martial legislation and inciting riot. I imagine it is because average, rational conservative forces have faltered, and the hard-line far-right have change into the mainstream conservatives. Conscientious voices are being pushed apart as a result of jingoistic voices are overrepresented inside every nation. That is true not solely in Japan, but additionally in South Korea, China, the USA, and the European Union. Democratic forces worldwide should deeply contemplate overcome this by solidarity and cooperation. The position of political leaders is essential.

Chung-in Moon: The second Trump administration’s Nationwide Safety Technique doc was lately launched. How do you suppose we should always reply to its neo-isolationist and transactional stance?

Hatoyama: Judging from Takaichi’s habits throughout Trump’s go to to Japan, it appears she has determined to kowtow to no matter insurance policies the US places ahead. Pressured by Trump’s place that economics takes priority, Japan introduced it might make investments 80 trillion yen [US$550 billion] within the US, whereas South Korea pledged 50 trillion yen [US$350 billion]. I imagine Japan and South Korea ought to have labored collectively to push again on such calls for as unreasonable.

Moon Jae-in:  The Trump administration’s show of America-first unilateralism and hostility towards multilateral establishments undermines the post-WWII order of multilateralism and free commerce ideas. The human race as an entire established these ideas for shared peace and prosperity. Whereas our alliance with the US is extraordinarily necessary, cooperation with China should even be maintained. South Korea and Japan mustn’t merely go together with the world order dictated by the US-China [competition to gain hegemony], however collectively search a extra impartial diplomatic path. We should be capable of say “no” when one thing is fallacious.

Hatoyama: Demanding that one choose a facet between the US and China is fallacious. Each are necessary. Nevertheless, Takaichi will doubtless select the US. She is creating battle with China and stirring up historic disputes with South Korea. This strategy can not lead in a constructive route. We should contemplate our shared pursuits.

Chung-in Moon: President Moon, in your 2019 UN Normal Meeting speech, you emphasised that the denuclearization course of for the Korean Peninsula have to be constructed upon mutual safety assurances and the termination of hostile relations. Do you continue to stand by this assertion?

Moon Jae-in:  I do. Nevertheless, I imagine the course and substance of the peace course of should evolve. Again then, I envisioned a peace course of premised on denuclearization, however now North Korea is refusing dialogue underneath that premise. We may contemplate a freeze on North Korea’s nuclear program as a place to begin for talks. Then, we should swiftly situation an end-of-war declaration and signal a peace treaty to formally finish the lengthy warfare on the Korean Peninsula. That is important for establishing peace. After that, it might be life like to debate normalization of relations between North Korea and the US, and between North Korea and Japan, with the purpose of attaining denuclearization in the end alongside the institution of diplomatic ties. 

To demand North Korea’s denuclearization, we should current concrete safety assurances and a imaginative and prescient for financial growth that North Korea can settle for. Up to now, the US performed that position. That’s why North Korea solely handled the US. Nevertheless, the US has not succeeded up to now. I imagine now we have now reached the stage the place South Korea and Japan should collectively take the initiative, working along with the USA, the European Union, and different Asian nations to place our heads collectively and search options for peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability in Northeast Asia.

Hatoyama: I imagine placing President Moon’s imaginative and prescient into motion may elicit a tempered response from North Korea. Sadly, nevertheless, Takaichi’s reverence for Abe signifies that she is prone to proceed in his footsteps. She’s going to insist that the kidnapping situation [of returning Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea] have to be resolved first.

Chung-in Moon: President Moon, you’ve remained in Korea since leaving workplace. Do you’ve any plans to go overseas?

Moon Jae-in: I haven’t been deliberately holding again from touring overseas or something like that. I hear that the English version of my memoir, “From the Periphery to the Middle,” might be revealed within the US subsequent 12 months. I believe I’ll in all probability go to the US round that point. If I am going, I’ll meet with people who will help us set up peace within the Korean peninsula.

Hatoyama: I heard that the Japanese version might be launched quickly as nicely. My spouse and I are wanting ahead to studying it.

By Lee Je-hun, senior workers author

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