US Marines chief acknowledges worries on Japan-Korean ties

Gen. David Berger, the new U.S. Marines commandant, says he is concerned about deteriorating relations between Japan and South Korea, both key regional allies.

Berger told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday that Japan and Korea have common interests despite their differences, such as the threat posed by China, and he hoped politicians will work out a resolution.

Berger spoke during his first trip to Japan after being appointed, which includes visiting Okinawa, where most of the U.S. forces here are based.

He heads to South Korea later this week.

Bilateral relations have worsened after Tokyo removed Korea’s preferential trade status.

Seoul sees it as retaliation for South Korean court rulings that Japanese companies compensate South Koreans forced into labor during World War II. Japan says it is a security issue.