By Reuben Staines
Staff Reporter


Japan’s top envoy to South Korea Thursday said Seoul and Tokyo must rebuild their strained ties to jointly counter the potential security threat posed by China.

Addressing a meeting of alumni at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in eastern Seoul, Japanese Ambassador Shotaro Oshima said his country welcomes China’s economic rise but worries about its geopolitical intentions.

``In terms of international politics, how China reforms its domestic politics and enhances transparency in its military is a concern for Northeast Asia,’’ he said.

Oshima urged South Korea to show understanding toward Japan’s recent moves to revise its pacifist constitution. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been pushing to loosen the country’s post-war constitution to allow it to play a greater role in international security.

However, the ambassador was careful to stress Japan’s remorse for atrocities committed during World War II and its colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.

``Japan has made official apologies for its past actions more than a few times already,’’ he said. ``But the unfortunate history between Korea and Japan cannot be resolved overnight by any official statement by the (Japanese) government.’’

Oshima expressed regret at the deterioration of the neighboring countries’ relations over the past year, which was triggered by a renewed territorial dispute over the South Korean islets of Dokdo..

Repeated visits by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to a controversial Tokyo shrine that honors war dead, including convicted war criminals, have also been a source of tension.

``The two nations’ relations have developed in an undesirable direction due to repeated and emotionally charged remarks and actions,’’ Oshima said during the lecture. ``But Japan remains committed to peace, as you have witnessed for 60 years.’’

Experts said the ambassador’s comments appeared to be an attempt to patch up relations with Seoul following a strong rebuke by Koizumi on Tuesday.

The Japanese leader had criticized South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun for his decision to cancel a planned bilateral summit in retaliation for the shrine visits, which Seoul argues indicate a lack of remorse for Japan’s militaristic past.

Koizumi also said he was ready to meet with Roh whenever necessary, regardless of differences in opinion, and urged South Korea to stop ``politicizing’’ the shrine issue.

According to Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun, Koizumi is expected to repeat his criticism of Seoul during a speech today at the opening session of the Japanese parliament.

The newspaper said Koizumi’s tough stance on the issue comes despite advice from the Japanese Foreign Ministry to avoid potentially provocative statements.

Former Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura slammed Koizumi Wednesday for his lack of diplomacy.

rjs@koreatimes.co.kr