South Korea has informed Japan of its decision not to conduct a planned joint search-and-rescue drill this month, sources in Japan's government and ruling coalition said Tuesday. Observers suggest the move may be retaliation for Japan's recent cancellation of refueling services for South Korean Air Force aircraft.
The drill was arranged between Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) and the South Korean Navy as part of ongoing defense exchanges. South Korea's notification came on Tuesday, according to sources in Japan's government and ruling coalition. Some observers view the decision as apparent retaliation for Japan's recent cancellation of refueling for South Korean Air Force aircraft.
Concerns are mounting that defense cooperation between Tokyo and Seoul could stall once more. The joint search-and-rescue exercise aimed to build mutual trust, but this development risks undermining recent progress in bilateral relations.