The United States called on Japan and South Korea on Nov. 14 to speak out on issues such as China’s treatment of minority Muslims and Beijing’s actions against Hong Kong and Taiwan, saying the two countries, despite trade relations with China, have been outspoken when it comes to misconduct on topics such as China’s treatment of minority Muslims and Beijing’s actions against Hong Kong and Taiwan.
With Japan and South Korea set to join 13 other Asia-Pacific economies in signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this weekend, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Korean Peninsula and Japanese Affairs Marc Knapper made a rare and blunt shout-out to a close US ally as Japan and South Korea join 13 other Asia-Pacific economies in signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this weekend, according to comprehensive international media reports. RCEP could become the world’s largest free trade agreement.
Knapper also stressed the importance of South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries working with each other and the United States to ensure that their citizens’ assets are not captured by China.
Kanapoi, who is currently in Seoul, said in an online event hosted by the Brookings Institution, a U.S. think tank, that Washington can understand the “very complex and delicate relationship” between Japan, South Korea and China. But “whether or not there is a very important trade and other relationship … we should all step up and speak out publicly when we see Chinese misconduct.”
Kanapei said Washington is not asking Japan and South Korea to cut ties with China or to encircle China. “We want to see South Korea, Japan and other countries step up to the plate. “
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