Diplomatic meeting between Japan and South Korea spotlights Trump's influence

In a significant development, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made his first overseas trip for bilateral diplomacy to Japan, marking the first bilateral summit between the two nations in 17 years. This historic meeting, held in Tokyo, has set the stage for a new era of cooperation between South Korea and Japan.

The leaders of both countries, Lee and his Japanese counterpart, issued a joint statement, pledging deeper cooperation on artificial intelligence, trade, and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. They also announced plans to launch a joint task force to tackle shared challenges, including aging populations and declining birth rates.

The summit resulted in a shift in tone from enmity to friendliness between the two leaders. South Korean President Lee referred to Japan as "an indispensable partner" for economic growth. This change in approach is particularly significant given the growing concerns over regional tensions, with both nations expressing mutual concerns about China and North Korea.

Japan's top general, Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, lauded the growing military ties with South Korea, while former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow, highlighting concerns about North Korea's growing nuclear arsenal and its deepening ties with Russia.

The recent thaw in relations between South Korea and Japan is largely a reflection of the volatile relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump's trade war has rattled both the Japanese and South Korean economies, with tax hikes on auto parts, steel, and aluminium hitting hard in economies built around the auto and tech industries.

However, both leaders must carefully manage ties with Beijing, the top trading partner for both countries, while navigating Washington's demands without compromising their economic interests. This delicate balance will be crucial in maintaining the momentum of the newfound goodwill between the nations.

If Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese Prime Minister expected to resign in April 2023, indeed steps down, it will be critical that he passes the spirit of cooperation to his successor to ensure the newfound goodwill between the nations continues to grow. During his meeting at the White House, Ishiba may have offered Lee advice on how to manage Trump's mercurial style.

Both Japan and South Korea are increasingly anxious about a potential conflict over Taiwan, with fears rising that tensions could spiral into conflict, right on their doorstep. This newfound cooperation between the two nations could prove instrumental in managing these regional tensions and maintaining peace and stability in East Asia.