The follwing is the full text of a briefing by Cheong Wa Dae National Security Council Secretary-General Kim You-geun. 

I would like to explain where we stand over the export control measures that Japan has been taking vis-a-vis the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently.
 
As a member of the United Nations, the Republic of Korea has been fully abiding by the sanctions measures vis-a-vis the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in accordance with relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions in order to swiftly achieve the goal of complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, and is implementing the Resolutions in an exemplary and highly transparent manner. In this context, the Republic of Korea is held in high regard by the international community.

In this regard, the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan have been engaging in close collaboration to vigorously clamp down on illegal maritime ship-to-ship transfer. 


In fact, during the past two years, the Republic of Korea has been the only country that detained six ships under suspicion of engaging in illegal ship-to-ship transfers for a maximum period of over 18 months. The Republic of Korea is also engaging in close consultations with the 1718 Committee of the UN Security Council with regards to all necessary measures.

Moreover, as a party to all related conventions and arrangements including the four major international export control regimes, the Republic of Korea has been exercising rigorous control over illegal export of dual use and strategic items to third parties. 


Even in cases where some private companies were involved in minor infringement of government control over these issues, the ROK government intervened to take necessary legal and administrative measures and prevented the recurrence of such infringement by making a public notification of such cases.


The fact that the ROK government disclosed to the public around 150 cases over the past 4 years demonstrates how the export control regime is being implemented in a rigorous and transparent manner.


Under the four major international export control regimes, most signatories have been disclosing the information regarding illegal export of strategic items within their respective jurisdictions just like the Republic of Korea.

We urge Japan to ask itself if it is also operating the export control system in a transparent manner by taking such measures.



We would like to express our deep regret that, in spite of such plain facts, high-ranking Japanese officials have continued to indulge in irresponsible comments recently that hint at the ROK government’s violation of export control obligations and non-compliance with sanctions without presenting any clear evidence.


In particular, the Republic of Korea has been fully sharing information with Japan regarding export control and implementation of sanctions measures on numerous occasions for consultations, including in the meetings held within the four major international export control regimes.


The Japanese government must provide a clear evidence of the ROK government’s non-compliance with relevant norms and any inappropriate action.


The ROK government would like to propose requesting the United Nations Security Council’s Panel of Experts or other appropriate international organizations to conduct an impartial investigation into any possible violation of the Republic of Korea and Japan of obligations under the four major international export control regimes. 


If the investigation uncovers any non-compliance on the ROK government’s part, we will apologize and immediately take corrective measures. 


However, if the investigation concludes that there has been no non-compliance on the ROK government’s part, the Japanese government will have to not only apologize, but also immediately withdraw export control measures that are retaliatory in nature. 


Moreover, a rigorous investigation into Japan’s violations must also proceed.