Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Tokyo for a visit aimed at reaffirming security cooperation and showcasing friendly ties between the two East Asian neighbors.
The meeting comes as both countries face common challenges from their mutual ally, the United States.
During their meeting, Ishiba and Lee discussed bilateral ties, including closer security cooperation with the US under a trilateral pact signed by their predecessors.
“As the strategic environment surrounding both our countries grows increasingly severe, the importance of our relations, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, continues to grow,” Ishiba said in a joint announcement with Lee.
The two leaders agreed to resume shuttle diplomacy, expand exchanges such as working holiday programs, and step up cooperation in defense, economic security, artificial intelligence, and other areas. They also pledged closer coordination against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, “We agreed that unwavering cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan is paramount in the rapidly changing international situation, and decided to create a virtuous cycle in which the development of South Korea-Japan relations leads to stronger cooperation.”
Lee’s visit comes two days before his crucial first summit in Washington with US President Donald Trump. The two men are expected to discuss security concerns, including China, North Korea, and Seoul’s financial contribution for US forces stationed in South Korea.
Trump has repeatedly pressed South Korea to increase its contribution, and the summit is likely to be a key test of the US-South Korea relationship.
Ishiba, who faces pressure from right-wing rivals within his governing party, may also benefit from a successful summit with Lee. Despite their differences, Japan and South Korea rely heavily on the US to counter China’s growing regional influence.
Both countries host significant US military presence, with about 80,000 US soldiers, dozens of US warships, and hundreds of military aircraft stationed in the region.
Japan and South Korea also share common ground on trade, with both agreeing to 15 percent tariffs on US imports of their goods after Trump had threatened steeper duties.
The two countries are working to strengthen their relationship, despite lingering tensions and historical disputes.
Lee’s decision to visit Tokyo before Washington has been well received by Japanese officials, who see it as a sign that Lee is placing great importance on relations between the two neighbors.
The visit and summit come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with North Korea’s recent missile tests and the ongoing US-China rivalry.
The cooperation between Japan and South Korea will be crucial in addressing these challenges and maintaining regional stability.