South Korea's split with Japan shows drift in US Asian alliances

Strategic divide risks emboldening North Korea, China and Russia

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The trade row between South Korea and Japan has exacerbated the friction between them on regional security issues.

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- South Korea's decision to scrap an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan has laid bare the extent of Seoul's split with Tokyo and Washington on security strategy, dropping a gift in the laps of North Korea, China and Russia.

The U.S. Defense Department was quick to express "strong concern and disappointment" Thursday over Seoul's withdrawal from the General Security of Military Information Agreement with Japan. America rarely takes such a critical tone with allies.

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