TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed their commitment to closer security ties on Saturday, during Mr Lee’s first official visit to Japan since taking office in June.
Meeting at the prime minister’s residence in Tokyo, the two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening their trilateral alliance with the United States. “Stable relations benefit both our countries and our region,” Mr Ishiba said, highlighting the need to coordinate with Washington in the face of regional uncertainties.
Mr Lee’s recent election following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol had sparked concerns in Japan, given his critical stance on past reconciliation efforts and the historical rift over Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Tensions were further tested last week when Seoul condemned visits by Japanese officials to a controversial war shrine.
Despite such differences, both leaders underlined the necessity of cooperation, particularly as China expands its regional influence and North Korea continues to pose security challenges. Together, Japan and South Korea host around 80,000 US troops along with extensive American military assets.
Looking ahead, Mr Lee will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug 25 to discuss regional security, North Korea, China, and burden-sharing for US forces stationed on the Korean Peninsula. Trade ties are also expected to feature, with both Tokyo and Seoul recently reaching a deal on tariffs after Washington had threatened higher duties.