Japan formally downgraded its trade status with South Korea on Wednesday in a move that will put further strain on a crumbling bilateral relationship in which everything from cultural exchange and tourism to security cooperation is now in jeopardy.
The trade-list demotion follows Tokyo's imposition of enhanced screenings July 4 on shipments of three key chemicals integral to producing semiconductors. They can also be used to produce conventional and other weapons.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko told reporters Tuesday that the government's stance on the decision remains unchanged. The Cabinet greenlighted the move earlier this month. "This is not intended to affect Japan-South Korea relations," Seko said. "Besides this is not a countermeasure. ... We are going to grant exports once we are able to confirm that they are legitimate trade among private parties."