US seeks united front in Asia despite Korea, Japan tensions

By CHRIS MEGERIAN, MARI YAMAGUCHI and TONG-HYUNG KIM
Associated Press

YOKOSUKA, Japan (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has said her trip to Asia is intended to shore up American alliances with Japan and South Korea. However, tensions between the two nations have undermined the united front that the U.S. wants to show toward China. Japan and South Korea remain at odds over historical issues such as the legacy of Japan’s forced labor and prostitution before and during World War II. The disputes have spilled over into debates over trade, technology and intelligence sharing. Japan and South Korea are taking steps to repair their relationship, but progress remains uncertain.