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In recent years, the Northeast Asian situation surrounding the three countries of Korea, China, and Japan has been serious. While there has been communication and improvement in the relationship between Korea and China (e.g. mutual state visits), the rifts between Korea and China and between China and Japan have deepened because of historical issues, such as the 'comfort women' issue, and territorial disputes over Dokdo and Diaoyudao (also known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands), and the national sentiment toward the other country has been getting worse as a result.

In history, particularly from the modern period onward, the three countries of Korea, China, and Japan experienced unfortunate events, such as colonial rule and struggle for independence, war of aggression and resistance against aggression, wars and ideological confrontations during the Cold War period. But since their diplomatic relations were restored, the three countries have become increasingly dependent on one another with the increasing exchange of people and commodities. Recently, however, the Japanese government, feeling threatened by the rise of China and Korea, is accelerating its rightward shift under the tacit approval of the U.S., instead of reflecting on its colonial rule and war of aggression. China, on the other hand, now as one of the G2 nations, is moving toward 'a power' based on its increased strength.

Open Mind and Awareness Needed in Trilateral Relations

Isn't there any way that the three countries can overcome these conflicts and create an East Asian community for peaceful coexistence and good neighborliness? If the ongoing conflicts over historical or territorial issues are due to the gap in perceptions of history among the countries, then closing that gap by changing their perceptions of history will have to be the first step toward the resolution of the conflicts. But perceptions of history take a long time to form and vary from person to person depending on their circumstances and viewpoints. Therefore, changing perceptions of history cannot be done within a short period of time, nor should it be forced onto others. In particular, if the government representing exclusive national interests comes forward, it is likely to create diplomatic problems and inflame public opinion, making the problem even more difficult to resolve.

Therefore, seeking to engage civil society or non-government organizations in academic exchange beyond the borders to move toward historical reconciliation will be more efficient in the long run. But to this end, it is necessary to have the basic attitudes required in relationships, e.g. consideration for others and acceptance of their different thinking and behavior as they are. Such an open mind and awareness are needed, especially in the relationship between neighboring countries as groups of diverse individuals, because countries, unlike individuals, cannot move away when they don't like their neighbors.

The best strategy for disseminating the correct perception of history is to share the perception and increase communication through purely academic research and exchange. But non-governmental players' voluntary efforts and sense of mission alone will not be sufficient to get around the many difficulties that are sure to come their way.

Increase Exchange with Scholars of Later Generations with Long-Term Prospects

Therefore, if the government provided balanced policies and financial aid in a systematic way to the extent not to interfere with the purity of learning and the independence of non-governmental players, it would generate great momentum to lay a foundation for the common perception of history and enhance communication.

From this perspective, let me briefly discuss my view on the roles and functions of the Northeast Asian History Foundation. First of all, the direction of research with long-term prospects needs to be established. Next. in order for Korea, China, and Japan to share and disseminate the correct perception of history, it is necessary to create even more opportunities that encourages exchange and cooperation with scholars of later generations in these countries in addition to established scholars, while continuing to provide support for private academic exchange. Additionally, I wish that the scope of the NAHF's research would be expanded to include many countries in the neighborhood and various topics, rather than being confined to pending historical issues and major controversies concerning the three countries of Korea, China, and Japan. I expect the NAHF to be able to lay a foundation for building a peaceful and prosperous East Asian community through forward-looking expansion and support for long-term and broad academic research.