VP Harris’ Asia tour includes diplomacy with Japan, South Korea

While standing on the dock of a naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, on Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris accused China of “disturbing behavior” toward Taiwan. She said the United States would deepen its unofficial ties with the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its territory. Her visit also follows North Korea’s most recent missile test. Harris’ trip through Asia includes stops in Japan and South Korea. She is encouraging the two allies to forgive past transgressions and work together with the United States to confront China and North Korea. Harris described the two countries’ relationship as a “linchpin” and “cornerstone” of American strategy in Asia.

What are the past transgressions? Japan colonized the Korean Peninsula years before World War II began, sending many people into forced labor and women into sexual slavery. The disputes are deeply rooted in questions about national honor and responsibility for some of Asia’s worst atrocities.

Dig deeper: Listen to my report on The World and Everything in It podcast about the steps Japan and South Korea are taking amid tensions with China and North Korea.