The United States says South Korea and Japan should address their bilateral issues, on their own, through dialogue.
Mike Hammer, assistant secretary for public affairs at the State Department, told reporters on Thursday that Washington "understands" that Seoul and Tokyo have disagreements over some issues, including Seoul’s concerns that Japan might be seeking to revive militarism. Hammer said such matters are obviously issues for the two countries to address.
He said the U.S. believes such disagreement can be overcome through dialogue, adding that Washington is “very encouraged and very bullish” on the state of its relationships with Seoul and Tokyo.
Hammer’s remarks are being received as an expression of the United States’ hope in improved bilateral relations between the two Asian nations by focusing on the importance of the alliance among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan, while avoiding comment on the controversies given their sensitive nature.