Japan Cancels South Korean Refueling Over Dokdo

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1. excerpts:

   >Initially, the South Korean Air Force’s special flight team, the “Black Eagles,” was set to land at Naha Air Base in Okinawa for refueling en route to Dubai, UAE, in early this month. The Japanese side had reportedly considered accepting the request. However, Japan rejected the proposal after confirming that part of the Black Eagles’ flight path had included Dokdo, expressing objections.

   >[…] The newspaper [Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun] reported, “While Prime Minister Takaichi hoped to proceed, given the agreement to pursue future-oriented relations during the Korea-Japan summit, voices within the Japanese government reportedly argued that ‘this issue would be difficult to gain domestic public understanding for.’” The Japanese government refers to Dokdo as Takeshima and claims it as its own territory.

   >While this incident appears to be a simple failed refueling attempt, it underscores the absence of an ACSA between the two countries. Without such an agreement, South Korean forces lack a formal basis to receive supplies from Japan. An ACSA typically allows militaries to provide mutual logistical support, signifying an upgrade in military cooperation.

   >The Yomiuri Shimbun noted, “There was also recognition that this initiative could have somewhat alleviated South Korea’s strong aversion to the Self-Defense Forces, stemming from Japan’s colonial history.”

   >A Japanese government official told the Yomiuri Shimbun, “Territorial issues cannot be compromised, but we will continue to pursue strengthened cooperation.”

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