Washington's top defense leaders have expressed their disappointment over Seoul's decision to pull out from its intelligence sharing pact with Japan,... amid intensified trade tensions between the two neighbors.
They called on South Korea to renew the agreement,... while highlighting the importance of two-way dialogue.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed his disappointment over the diplomatic row between South Korea and Japan that recently prompted Seoul to terminate an intelligence sharing pact with its Asian neighbor.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Wednesday,... Esper said he hopes to see Seoul and Tokyo resolve their differences.
He also pointed out that there are common threats - namely North Korea and China,... and cooperation makes the alliance stronger.
Speaking at a different event on the same day,... U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, Randall Schriver, called on Seoul to recommit to the General Security of Military Information Agreement and renew the deal.
He also explained that the U.S. has repeatedly made clear to the South Korean government that pulling out would negatively affect not only Seoul's bilateral ties with Tokyo but also Washington's security interests and those of other allies.
Schriver repeatedly stressed that Seoul and Tokyo should participate in meaningful dialogue to address their differences.
Last week, South Korea announced its intent to withdraw from the intelligence sharing agreement that expires in late November,... based on grounds that Tokyo refused to engage in separate talks on resolving trade and historical disputes.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.