S. Korea hasn't invited Japan to a meeting on diplomatic issues

South Korea has invited U.S. and Chinese officials to an international seminar on diplomatic issues scheduled to be held in Seoul next month, but Japan has yet to receive an invitation, according to government sources.

The apparent snub has displeased Japanese officials, and raised fears that Seoul is bypassing Tokyo at a time when they should be presenting a united front against North Korea.

The seminar is slated for late June, according to information obtained by the Japanese government, the sources said.
Given the nature of the conference, South Korea's behavior has rankled officials in Tokyo, who believe Seoul is trying to promote Northeast Asian diplomacy while sidelining Japan, according to the sources.

The government will soon convey its displeasure to countries involved in the seminar, including the United States.
According to information acquired by the government, senior officials at the assistant vice-ministerial level, or higher, from the South Korean and Chinese foreign ministries and a deputy assistant U.S. secretary of state are scheduled to attend the meeting. A private research institute for diplomatic issues is among others invited.

The regional situation in Northeast Asia remains unstable due to North Korea's continuing nuclear and missile development. Some government officials are worried Pyongyang might exploit this apparent crack between Seoul and Tokyo.
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