In a landmark meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened for their first summit on Thursday, vowing to enhance bilateral relations historically marred by their contentious wartime past. The meeting, which took place ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, underscored the urgency of fostering cooperation in the face of shifting global dynamics and trade uncertainties. Both leaders emphasized the importance of future-oriented collaboration, with Takaichi highlighting the growing significance of trilateral cooperation involving the United States. The two nations agreed to sustain their ‘shuttle diplomacy’ model, alternating hosting duties for future summits. Takaichi described the discussions as ‘very enjoyable and meaningful’ and expressed anticipation for Lee’s reciprocal visit to Japan. The summit followed a series of diplomatic engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged both allies to fulfill substantial investment commitments. South Korea and Japan have pledged billions in U.S. investments, with South Korea agreeing to $200 billion in direct investments and $150 billion in loan guarantees to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry. In return, the U.S. has committed to reducing tariffs on Korean vehicles and auto parts. Despite historical tensions and differing views on wartime history, experts predict continued cooperation as both nations navigate shared challenges, including supply chain vulnerabilities and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Lee’s pragmatic diplomacy has also sought to mend ties with Japan and the U.S., signaling a shift from his earlier perceived alignment with North Korea and China.
South Korean and Japanese leaders vow to improve ties in face of global uncertainty
