What's happened
Japan's new prime minister, Takaichi, and South Korea's Lee met at the Apec summit, emphasizing future cooperation despite historical tensions. Both leaders avoided contentious issues, focusing on economic and security ties amid regional challenges and US involvement. The relationship remains pragmatic but cautious.
What's behind the headline?
Pragmatism Over History
The recent summit between Japan and South Korea exemplifies a strategic shift towards pragmatic diplomacy. Both leaders avoided contentious historical topics, such as wartime atrocities and territorial disputes, opting instead to focus on shared economic and security interests. This approach aligns with the broader regional context where both nations face threats from North Korea and seek US-led security cooperation.
Regional Power Dynamics
The summit underscores the importance of US involvement in regional security, with both Japan and South Korea emphasizing trilateral cooperation. The US's role as a mediator and supporter of economic investments is central, as both countries seek to balance relations with China and North Korea.
Domestic Political Influences
Leaders' domestic political pressures influence their diplomatic strategies. Yoon Suk-yeol's predecessor Yoon Yoon's efforts to improve relations with Japan contrast with Yoon's more hawkish stance. Takaichi's cautious diplomacy suggests a recognition that nationalist sentiments remain potent, and overt nationalist gestures could jeopardize progress.
Future Outlook
While the summit signals a positive step, underlying tensions remain. The avoidance of sensitive historical issues indicates that future cooperation will depend on maintaining a delicate balance. The relationship's stability will likely hinge on regional security developments and US policies, with both leaders needing to remain pragmatic to sustain progress.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports that the summit was characterized by a pragmatic approach, with both leaders focusing on future cooperation and regional security, avoiding contentious historical issues. According to the Independent, the leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening ties amid global trade uncertainties and regional challenges, with Takaichi adopting a more cautious stance compared to her nationalist predecessors. AP News highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including scheduled summits and US involvement, as key to improving relations. These sources collectively suggest that, despite historical tensions, Japan and South Korea are prioritizing pragmatic cooperation driven by regional security needs and US influence, with cautious optimism about future relations.
How we got here
Relations between Japan and South Korea have long been strained over Japan's colonial occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and issues like wartime atrocities and territorial disputes. Recent diplomatic efforts aimed at improving ties have been complicated by nationalist sentiments and historical grievances, especially around visits to Yasukuni Shrine and unresolved wartime issues. The election of Takaichi, known for her nationalist views, initially raised concerns, but her recent diplomatic approach signals a pragmatic shift. Both countries are now prioritizing economic and security cooperation, partly driven by regional security challenges and US influence.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are South Korea and Japan Trying to Improve Their Relations Now?
Recent diplomatic efforts between South Korea and Japan have garnered attention as both nations seek to reset their historically tense relationship. With regional security, economic cooperation, and shared challenges at the forefront, understanding why these countries are making moves now is crucial. Below, we explore the key reasons behind this diplomatic shift, the historical issues involved, and what it could mean for East Asia’s stability.
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What’s the future of Japan-South Korea relations amid regional tensions?
Japan and South Korea are working to improve their relationship despite a history of tensions. Recent diplomatic meetings show a focus on economic and security cooperation, but many questions remain about what this means for regional stability. Below, we explore the key issues shaping their future and what influences their diplomatic moves.
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