Japan-ROK row could hurt regional economy

Tokyo and Seoul not likely to engage in security conflict

The trade spat between the two neighbors has its roots in a series of events including the 2018 radar lock-on dispute, the closing of Japan-funded "comfort women" foundation and the controversy over some ROK officials demanding the Japanese emperor's apology for Japan's war crimes. And the Abe administration's displeasure with Seoul's policies under President Moon Jae-in, as reflected in Moon's engagement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has boiled over.

But Tokyo's move to wield the high-tech stick could draw the two countries into a vicious circle of attack and retaliation, in particular, because Seoul could respond in kind to what Moon said was an unprecedented emergency. In fact, anti-Japan sentiments are raging through the ROK with some shops ceasing to sell Japanese products.

The latest Tokyo-Seoul conflict has not only created new problems for bilateral ties but also threatens to weaken the economic and political fabric of East Asia, which would be detrimental to the further integration of the regional economies, and make it more difficult for the world to maintain economic stability and prosperity in the face of increasing trade disputes.

The deteriorating relations between Tokyo and Seoul have caused much worry among US elites, too, because the US' alliance with the two countries has helped Washington to consolidate its strategic foothold in the Asia-Pacific region while Japan's actions against the ROK could push the latter closer to China on economic and strategic issues. But despite the souring of relations, Japan and the ROK are not likely to engage in a security conflict, because the ROK remains highly dependent on the US when it comes to security.

Zhu Feng, director of the Institute of International Studies, Nanjing University

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.