South Korea and Japan resume joint maritime resource talks after 40-year hiatus.

According to information published by The Korea Herald on September 26, 2024, Seoul and Tokyo are set to reignite discussions on joint maritime resource development in the East China Sea, marking the first such dialogue in nearly 40 years.
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The talks focus on undersea resource exploration beneath the continental shelf south of Jeju Island, an area that has long been contested for its untapped reserves of petroleum and other minerals.

This significant development comes just months before Japan could potentially issue a termination notice for their 1974 agreement, which established a joint development zone (JDZ) covering 82,557 square kilometers of the East China Sea. The agreement, which was designed to mitigate disputes over maritime boundaries, is set to expire in June 2028 unless one party opts out with three years’ notice.

The last formal discussions were held in 1985, with negotiations stalling due to economic and legal challenges. Japan, citing concerns about the viability of the resources in the JDZ, had resisted further engagement. However, pressure from South Korea and the looming deadline for potential termination have brought Japan back to the table.

In this latest round of talks, both countries are expected to reassess the economic potential of the area and explore possibilities for new joint research initiatives. The discussions, however, will remain centered on the implementation of the existing agreement, rather than on its potential extension.

The talks will be led by high-level representatives from both countries' foreign and energy ministries, with South Korea expected to emphasize the importance of continued exploration efforts, despite past setbacks. While Japan's stance remains uncertain, the resumption of dialogue signals a cautious willingness to revisit the long-dormant collaboration.

The outcome of these talks could shape the future of resource development in the East China Sea, as both nations weigh their options ahead of the agreement’s possible termination.

South Korea - Japan relations

Naval relations between South Korea and Japan have seen notable improvement in recent years, largely driven by shared security concerns, particularly North Korea's growing nuclear threat. Both countries, along with the United States, have been increasingly involved in trilateral military exercises, which serve to enhance cooperation and interoperability among their naval forces.

One key development has been the institutionalization of joint exercises, such as the "Freedom Edge" drills, which involve complex, multi-domain operations spanning naval, air, and cyber domains. These exercises not only improve operational coordination but also signal a unified stance against regional threats, especially from North Korea, whose missile tests have escalated regional tensions. These trilateral exercises often involve advanced assets, including aircraft carriers and Aegis-equipped destroyers, underscoring the seriousness of the security environment.

However, the historical tension between South Korea and Japan, stemming from Japan's colonization of Korea (1910-1945), continues to be a sensitive issue. Efforts to improve relations, such as resolving incidents like the 2018 patrol aircraft dispute, have been crucial for the countries to move forward in their defense cooperation.