South Korea And Japan Forge Historic Partnership Amid Shifting Global Tides

 

History was made this weekend as South Korean President Lee Jae-myung embarked on his first overseas trip for bilateral diplomacy — with stops in both Washington, D.C., and Tokyo. Unlike his predecessors, Lee chose Japan as his first destination, a move loaded with historical significance given Japan’s colonial rule over Korea in the early 20th century.

Following a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the two nations issued their first joint statement in 17 years. The announcement pledged deeper cooperation on artificial intelligence, trade, and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. A joint task force will also be launched to address shared demographic challenges, including aging populations and declining birth rates.

What stood out most from the summit, however, was not just the agreements signed but the warm tone shared by both leaders.

“This is our second meeting, and I feel as if we are close friends,” President Lee remarked about his Japanese counterpart.

The shift in tone — from historic animosity to an emerging sense of partnership — marks a striking moment in regional diplomacy.

Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea has long cast a shadow over bilateral ties. As recently as 2023, Lee had criticized his predecessor for attending a landmark summit with Japan, calling him a “puppet” of Tokyo. Yet since taking office two months ago, Lee has emphasized pragmatism. On South Korea’s Liberation Day, he called Japan “an indispensable partner” for economic growth.

This thaw reflects not only regional reconciliation but also shared anxieties about shifting geopolitics.

Both countries face uncertainty in their alliance with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy — imposing tariffs, demanding higher defense spending, and pressuring allies to contribute more for hosting U.S. troops — has unsettled Tokyo and Seoul alike.

For Japan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has served as a warning. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida famously stated: “Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow.” Both Japan and South Korea are increasingly uneasy about North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal and its growing ties with Russia, where North Korean soldiers are believed to be gaining battlefield experience.

Another looming concern is Taiwan. With China escalating military activity near the island, fears are mounting that conflict could erupt in East Asia. Questions linger over whether the U.S. would intervene decisively — or whether, as in past instances, its leader might pursue direct deals with authoritarian rivals.

Economic tensions compound these security worries. Trump’s trade war has shaken both nations’ industries, with tariffs on auto parts, steel, and aluminum biting into economies reliant on manufacturing and technology. At the same time, both leaders must balance ties with Beijing, their top trading partner, while navigating Washington’s demands.

Having already met Trump, Prime Minister Ishiba may have offered President Lee advice on managing the president’s mercurial style. Ishiba once flattered Trump during a White House visit, but months of tariff pressure later described him as “someone who changes the rules.”

One potential obstacle to this budding partnership is Ishiba’s own political future. Facing domestic pressure after his party lost its parliamentary majority, Ishiba may be forced to resign. Should that happen, the continuity of this newfound goodwill between Japan and South Korea will depend heavily on whether his successor embraces the same spirit of cooperation.