In Tokyo this weekend, the leaders of Japan and South Korea once again gathered at the negotiating table, renewing bilateral diplomacy with an eye toward shared challenges and opportunities amid the region’s global political dynamics.
President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea made his first overseas trip with a focus on deepening bilateral cooperation, choosing Japan at the start of the itinerary – rather than the United States. This underscored Seoul’s pragmatic approach to regional partners.
Following the bilateral summit between Lee and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the capitals of both countries for the first time in 17 years issued a joint statement: they agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, trade, and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. It was also announced the creation of a joint working group to address shared challenges, notably aging populations and declining birthrates.
Yet the attention was not on the signatures on paper, but on the leaders’ sincere smiles and warm words, creating an image of a new era of engagement between the long-established partners.
“This is our second gathering, and I feel that we are close friends.”
– Lee Jae-myung
The tone of the conflict is shifting toward cooperation
Changes in tone – from previously tense to more amicable – are evident to all observers. The historical relationship between Japan and Korea remains a shadow over contemporary contacts: the long occupation of Korea by Japan left deep scars in the memories of the peoples and in the politics of the two countries.
In 2023, Lee criticized his predecessor for taking part in a key summit with Japan, calling him Tokyo’s “puppet.”
However, since taking office two months ago, Lee has pursued a more pragmatic course. On August 15 – National Liberation Day of Korea from Japanese rule – he described Japan as an “indispensable partner” for economic growth.
This warming of relations is not just a diplomatic tactic, but a reflection of broader developments further west of the Pacific.
Geopolitical landscape and relations with the United States
Both countries are now shaping their positions toward the United States, where the unpredictable foreign policy of Donald Trump casts doubt on trust in the old alliance arrangements. The United States demanded greater defense spending and expanded involvement of American forces in the region. Changes in the transatlantic balance create new challenges for Seoul and Tokyo in the context of their economic and security interests.
“The problem is that Trump’s impulsive and transactional diplomacy unsettles everyone.”
– Jeffrey Kingston
“I think after Ukraine’s betrayal, many of America’s allies are asking: what does America’s security guarantee really mean?”
“I think that after Ukraine’s betrayal, many of America’s allies are asking: what does America’s security guarantee really mean?”
– Jeffrey Kingston
In Japan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is seen as a warning signal; his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, noted: “Ukraine today could be East Asia’s tomorrow.” The two capitals are also closely watching the growing nuclear threat from North Korea and the strengthened ties between it and Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine.
“Ukraine today could be East Asia’s tomorrow.”
– Fumio Kishida
Another major issue remains the potential conflict around Taiwan. Concerns about regional escalation are rising, which could require external intervention by the United States or spur new agreements between Washington and other allies – possibly with autocratic leaders in the future, without direct participation by Taiwan in the negotiations.
Prospects and challenges of the partnership
Apart from security concerns, trade and economic differences between Japan and South Korea are still felt. Although the two countries have signed agreements to ease the toughest tariffs, tax pressure on auto parts, steel, and aluminum – critical sectors for manufacturing and technology – is rising.
Both leaders must carefully balance their relations with the region’s main trading partner – China – without yielding their economic interests and security ambitions. The domestic political situation in Japan could also influence the course ahead: whether Prime Minister Ishiba will remain in office, and how to pass this new energy of cooperation to his successor so that the efforts do not fade to nothing.
“If he steps down, it will be critically important to pass this shared spirit of cooperation to his successor – so that the new warmth between the two countries continues to grow.”
– Analysis of sources
Despite the difficulties, events in Tokyo and Seoul show the readiness of the two neighboring countries to adapt to a changing global order and to seek common paths for development in technology, economy, and security amid ambiguous signals from Washington.
AloJapan.com