Japan and South Korea Strengthen Security Ties Ahead of Trump Meeting

On August 23, 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed their commitment to security cooperation between their nations. This meeting occurred in Tokyo, just days before President Lee’s scheduled summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 28.

This visit marks Lee’s first official trip to Japan since taking office in June 2023. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly regarding security collaboration with the United States, anchored by a trilateral agreement established by their predecessors. “Stable relations benefit both our countries and our region,” Ishiba stated during the talks. He emphasized the importance of strengthening their alliance with the U.S., particularly in light of regional security challenges.

Context of the Leaders’ Meeting

The backdrop of this meeting includes a recent political shift in South Korea. President Lee’s liberal administration emerged following the impeachment of former conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, reigniting concerns in Tokyo about the potential deterioration of relations with Seoul. Lee has openly criticized previous attempts to mend ties, which have been strained by historical grievances stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over Korea.

Additionally, tensions flared last week when South Korean officials expressed “deep disappointment and regret” regarding Japanese officials’ visit to a shrine in Tokyo honoring war dead, a site viewed by many Koreans as a symbol of Japan’s wartime aggression. Despite these challenges, Lee has indicated a willingness to pursue closer relations with Japan, a sentiment he conveyed during an earlier meeting with Ishiba at the G7 Summit in Canada.

Strategic Alliances in Focus

Both nations, as key U.S. allies, recognize the necessity of collaboration to counter the growing influence of China in the region. Together, Japan and South Korea host approximately 80,000 U.S. troops, numerous American warships, and hundreds of military aircraft. President Lee underscored this strategic alliance, stating, “As the international order has fluctuated recently over trade and security issues, I think that South Korea and Japan, which have similar positions in values, systems, and ideology, should strengthen cooperation more than ever.”

In Washington, Lee and Trump are expected to address several pressing security issues, including concerns related to North Korea and China’s influence. Additionally, discussions are likely to include Seoul’s financial obligations for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, a topic that Trump has consistently highlighted, urging Seoul to increase its contributions.

Trade relations between Japan and South Korea also play a significant role in their discussions. Both countries have aligned on maintaining a 15 percent tariff on U.S. imports of their goods, following Trump’s threats of imposing steeper duties. This cooperation indicates a shared interest in navigating the complexities of trade while maintaining strong economic ties.

As the leaders prepare for their critical summit, the outcome of their discussions could potentially reshape the dynamics of Northeast Asia, as well as enhance their cooperative stance against emerging global challenges.