Page 203 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

U.S.-South Korean coalition forces under Article 6 of the
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. In addition, Japan may recognize
a critical “situation that will have an important influence on
Japan’s peace and security” where there may be risks of direct
attacks if left unchecked. Japan may also conduct logistical
support activities to a U.S.-South Korean coalition force, such
as supplying water, fuel, and meals; transporting personnel
and goods; and providing repairs, maintenance, medical care,
and communications. Japan could be expected to provide
ammunition to South Korea as part of such activities.

Previously, logistical support activities were provided only
to U.S. forces and ammunition was excluded from the scope
of provision, but in 2015 the scope was expanded with the
development of the Law Concerning Measures to Ensure the
Peace and Security of Japan in Situations that Will Have an
Important Influence on Japan’s Peace and Security. However,
there is currently no Agreement on the Mutual Provision
of Goods and Services (ACSA) between Japanese Self-
Defense Forces (JSDF) and the South Korean Armed Forces.
Therefore, in order to ensure smooth cooperation between
Japan and South Korea in the event of a contingency, Japan
should consider concluding an Acquisition and Cross-Service
Agreement (ACSA) so that ammunition can be exchanged
even during peacetime. Japan has already concluded ACSAs
with the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and France, in
addition to the United States.

On the other hand, if North Korea were to invade South
Korea and a Korean Peninsula contingency were to occur,
North Korea might consider Japan an enemy nation based on

Chapter Twelve : Trilateral Cooperation is Essential to Deter Pyongyang and Dissuade Beijing 203