China & Ahn Gyu-back

China: South Korea's caution regarding a military-logistics pact with Japan is partly influenced by its ties with China, as the pact could be perceived as a move against China's assertiveness.

Ahn Gyu-back: Ahn Gyu-back, South Korea's Defense Minister, confirmed discussions with Japan on a military-logistics support agreement, while emphasizing Seoul's cautious stance due to political sensitivities.

China: China was criticized by Japan for its rapid and opaque military expansion and was notably absent from the Shangri-La Dialogue at the ministerial level, leading to questions about its commitment to dialogue and transparency.

Ahn Gyu-back: Ahn Gyu-back, Korea's Defense Minister, attended the Shangri-La Dialogue and was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi to discuss advancing their defense partnership.