Experts say the time has come for Japan and South Korea to adopt a more pragmatic approach to their bilateral relationship, given the common challenges they face, such as the unilateralist tactics of U.S. President Donald Trump and the growing military and economic clout of China.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative, stressed the unchanged positive trajectory of the bilateral ties during a meeting Tuesday in South Korea with President Lee Jae Myung, previously regarded as a hard-liner toward Japan.
The two countries have spent recent years mending ties, which suffered a sharp downturn, especially over wartime issues and territorial disputes. But experts say that the relationship must now evolve beyond mere gestures of friendship to achieve more tangible results in areas such as trade and defense.
At the summit in Andong, Lee’s hometown, much of the focus centered on economic security cooperation, including efforts to ensure stable energy supplies, amid Middle East tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
At a joint press conference with Lee after the talks, Takaichi said that, given the current global situation, it is important for Japan and South Korea to “take the initiative in strengthening deterrence and response capabilities” of trilateral cooperation with the United States.
