If Only the Japan—South Korea Trade War Were About Trade.

SOUTH Korea; JAPAN

The author comments on the escalating trade war between South Korea and Japan. Topics covered include role of the South Korean Supreme Court ruling ordering Japanese firms to pay for forced labor during World War II in the trade dispute, outlook on the trade restrictions launched by Japan against South Korea and vice versa, decision of South Korea not to renew an intelligence sharing pact with Japan and impact of the lack of leadership from the U.S. on international relations.