TOKYO (AP) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in her hometown of Nara on Tuesday. This summit aims to stabilize relations between the two historically competitive nations, particularly against the backdrop of Japan's growing concerns regarding Chinese power in Asia.
The meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort in a region experiencing heightened tensions. Just a week prior to this summit, President Lee visited China, where President Xi Jinping attempted to strengthen ties with Seoul amid ongoing tensions between Japan and China. Takaichi's remarks in November regarding potential Japanese intervention in the event of Chinese military action against Taiwan have further complicated these relationships.
This visit also comes on the heels of the United States capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, an ally shared by both Japan and South Korea. Takaichi and Lee's discussions will mark their first full summit and third meeting since Takaichi took office less than three months ago, as noted by Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.
Key focuses of the upcoming talks will include trade, along with challenges posed by China and North Korea. Both Japan and South Korea are also grappling with how to navigate the unpredictable diplomacy of former President Donald Trump, while facing U.S. pressure to bolster their defense expenditures.
During Lee's recent diplomatic activities in China, Xi urged for a united front between the two countries, recalling their historical rivalry against Japan from World War II. However, Lee is expected to adopt a neutral stance between Japan and China moving forward. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the critical need for strengthened Japan-South Korea relations and enhanced collaboration among Japan, the U.S., and South Korea in light of the current strategic climate.
The two leaders will visit the historical Horyu Temple, renowned for its ancient architecture from the late 7th or early 8th century, representing a significant cultural tie reflecting Japan's adaptation of Buddhism from Korea. In addition, Lee plans to engage with South Korean expatriates in Japan before returning home later in the day.
The relationship between Japan and South Korea is deeply rooted in a complex historical context, marred by disputes resulting from Japan's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. Although a normalization treaty in 1965 provided $500 million in economic aid to South Korea, it claimed to settle all wartime compensation issues. However, ongoing disputes related to forced labor and sexual slavery during that era have perpetuated tensions.
In recent years, relations between the two nations have shown signs of improvement amid a shared perception of threat from China's encroaching assertiveness. Although Takaichi is known for her hardline security stance and there were early concerns about Lee's potential inclination towards North Korea and China, both leaders have made efforts to mend their relationship.
Takaichi has historically faced criticism for her visits to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals — actions perceived negatively in Korea and China. Nevertheless, she opted to send a religious ornament to the shrine instead of attending the ceremony for the August 15 commemoration of Japan's defeat in World War II.
While it is likely that the leaders will avoid delving deeply into historical grievances during their discussions, there may be dialogue about humanitarian cooperation concerning the recovery of remains from a former undersea mining site where a tragic accident claimed the lives of 180 workers, including 136 Korean forced laborers, in 1942. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a potential DNA analysis of remains that were discovered at the site last year.
