South Korea and Japan eye military logistics pact. Should China be wary?

South Korea and Japan are exploring a military logistics support agreement, known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (Acsa), which analysts believe would strengthen their trilateral ties with the United States and bolster deterrence against China and North Korea.

However, the path to finalizing the deal is fraught with challenges. In South Korea, significant domestic opposition exists, stemming from concerns that closer security cooperation with Japan could jeopardize relations with China. Furthermore, lingering unease related to Japan's wartime history continues to be a sensitive issue.

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-baek acknowledged the discussions during a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. "As this is a matter that requires understanding and persuasion from the peoples of both countries, we still believe that we should remain cautious," Ahn stated, indicating a need for careful public engagement.

The Acsa aims to simplify the exchange of essential military supplies, such as ammunition, fuel, and food, during joint operations or emergencies. This marks the first time a senior South Korean defense official has publicly confirmed ongoing Acsa talks. The two nations initially began discussions on both the Acsa and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2012, but progress was halted due to considerable opposition within South Korea.

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As this is a matter that requires understanding and persuasion from the peoples of both countries, we still believe that we should remain cautious.