Although Japan is gradually relaxing the constraints of the country, the legal restrictions on Japanese weapons exports seem to be more lacking from South Korea.Even if Japan finally transports weapons to Ukraine, its potential influence may be inferior to South Korea, because South Korea's weapon export industry is much greater.
(Shoulin) The Russian and Ukraine War lasted for nearly a year, and European countries with several rounds of weapon assistance to Ukraine have now encountered difficulties in producing enough ammunition.In order to make up for the shortage, they are looking for other sources of weapons, including turning to Northeast Asia for help.
NATO Secretary -General Stoltenberg visited South Korea and Japan this week. During the period, they called on the two countries to provide more military aid to Ukraine.
Stoltenberg used European countries as an example: "After Ukraine was brutally invaded, these countries changed their policies. If you don't want autocracy and tyranny to win, then UkraineNeed weapons. "
The European countries referred to by Stoltenberg are Germany, Sweden, Norway and other countries.They used to have a long -term policy that did not transport weapons to the theater, but after Russia invaded Ukraine last February, Russia quickly changed it.These countries believe that this battle determines the future of Europe.
In fact, South Korea and Japan have provided Ukraine with non -fatal military equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets.However, the two countries do not directly provide weapons to Ukraine, partly because they are bound by legal, which is similar to the restrictions that many European countries have suffered.
However, the Korean government's wording on this issue seems to be softening.South Korean President Yin Xiyue mentioned in a meeting with Stoltenberg that "cooperation with the international community to help the Ukraine people may play a role", but he did not detailed it.
A diplomat of NATO member states in Seoul told the Voice of America that he expects that there will be no major changes in South Korea in the short term. This is given that South Korea has a close economic connection with Russia, and Moscow has a certain impact on North Korea's impact on North Koreaforce.
Even if South Korea does not directly support Ukraine, it may lead to Russia's dissatisfaction.In March last year, Moscow included Seoul in the list of "unfriendly" nationals.In October last year, Russian President Putin also warned South Korea to "destroy our relationship" to Ukraine.
Japan's possibility of transporting weapons to Ukraine is even lower.Although Japan is gradually relaxing the constraints of the country's peacetologies, Japan's legal restrictions on weapons exports seem to be more lacking from South Korea.Even if Japan finally transports weapons to Ukraine, its potential influence may be inferior to South Korea, because South Korea's weapon export industry is much greater.
But as long as the Ukrainian war continues and continuously consumes the ammunition inventory of Western countries, South Korea and Japan may continue to face the pressure on providing weapons to Ukraine.In particular, the two countries are currently led by conservatives. They try to further move closer to the West and deepen their connection with NATO.
Stoltenberg promised to strengthen relations with the two countries during the visit to South Korea this week, and emphasized that the security of Europe and Asia is closely linked.He told Japanese and Korean leaders: "We must continue to support Ukraine, no matter how long it takes."
