Japan Agrees to WTO Talks With South Korea

Japan has agreed to World Trade Organization consultations with South Korea, Japan’s minister of Economy, Trade and Industry said Sept. 20. The minister said Japan is trying to “coordinate specific schedules through diplomatic routes,” according to an unofficial translation of the transcript from a news conference, but stood by the country’s export restrictions. “Japan's previous position that it is consistent with the WTO agreement remains unchanged,” the minister said. South Korea requested WTO consultations with Japan on Sept. 11 as the two sides continued to swap restrictive trade measures dating back to July. Japan and South Korea met in Beijing in August but did not announce substantial progress after the talks (see 1908160046).