PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF JAPAN-KOREA INTERSTATE RELATIONS

Abstract

The peculiarities of the current conflicts between Japan and Korea are investigated. At the present stage, bilateral relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea are distinguished by stability and predictability, and even too much – there is every reason to talk about their friendly, and even allied character. Now the two states simultaneously cooperate in the political sphere, and compete in the economic sphere, they have intensified their cultural exchange. At the same time, a number of unsettled issues of the historical past of both countries remain, and, in addition, there are contradictions related to the island of Tokto (Takashima). In the last decade, the emphasis in Japanese-South Korean relations has clearly shifted to the trade and economic sphere. The first round of free trade negotiations between the two countries took place in December 2003 in Seoul, and the sixth and last was held in Tokyo (November 2006). The reluctance of the Japanese side to fully open its own market was the reason that the negotiations came to a standstill. Governments are well aware that the conclusion of a bilateral free trade agreement will have far-reaching consequences. The merger of the markets of the two countries with a similar structure of industry, located in direct ieographic proximity to each other, will lead to the emergence of a large market that will unite 170 million tons. persons and will make up 17% of the world’s gross product. This new economic entity could also deter China’s economic growth. In addition, pooling potentials and close mutual cooperation will contribute. Japan and South Korea have been taking gradual but confident steps to meet each other lately. Despite the very difficult common history in the first half of XX century. and the sharp contradictions that took place in the second half of the XX century, the parties are trying to come to an agreement on solving the existing economic problems, as well as looking for ways to cooperate efforts in the development of national economies.