Economist Podcasts Ex-Seoul-mate: Japan-South Korea spat escalates
Aug 28, 2019
Lena Shipper, Seoul bureau chief, dives into the escalating tensions between Japan and South Korea over territorial disputes, revealing how this historical discord threatens regional stability. Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, discusses the staggering financial toll of the grounded Boeing 737 MAX, estimated at $4 billion per quarter. The conversation also touches on Greta Thunberg's influence on the emerging 'flight shame' movement in Sweden, highlighting shifting attitudes toward air travel and climate activism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Island Dispute
- Tiny islands disputed by South Korea and Japan lie at the heart of escalating tensions.
- These uninhabited islands, Dokdo (South Korea) and Takeshima (Japan), have been contested since World War II.
Escalating Tensions
- South Korea conducted naval exercises around the disputed islands, escalating tensions with Japan.
- This follows South Korea's withdrawal from an intelligence-sharing pact and Japan's trade restrictions.
Regional Instability
- The escalating spat between South Korea and Japan is alarming due to their historically stable relationship.
- This tension disrupts regional stability, worrying the United States, which relies on their alliance.