The bilateral talks on conflict resolution procedures that Japan and Korea opened at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 11th, over strengthening export restrictions to Japan in Korea, Again, the discussion ended with parallel lines. The Korean side requested a second consultation and the Japanese side accepted it. The schedule will be adjusted from now on.
According to the Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Soichiro Kuroda, the Trade Organization Department of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, who met locally after the talks, the Japanese side mainly explained the background and reasons for strengthening export restrictions. He pointed out that there are concerns about the poor export control system in South Korea, and insisted that Japan “just fulfilled its obligation” regarding the management of export cargo that could be diverted to military use. “I carefully explained the Korean question,” he stressed.
On the other hand, the Korean side, which insists that Japan's stricter regulations are “discriminatory measures based on political motives,” also met separately, and the representative said, “I am not satisfied with the explanation from the Japanese side.” . However, he talked about his intention to call for reconsideration, “It is important to continue to discuss. I want to make an effort to find a solution.”
The gap between the two countries' claims remains large. If it is not resolved in the second discussion, the possibility of proceeding to the proceedings of the dispute resolution subcommittee (panel), which is the first trial, will increase. (Geneva = Shinya Wake, Yusuke Yoshitake)