Nara: President Lee Jae Myung concluded a two-day visit to Japan, fostering prospects of economic cooperation with Tokyo and tackling the sensitive issue of Korean forced laborers' remains.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee engaged in summit talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara, marking their second meeting in just over two months. This dialogue occurs amid challenges like a volatile trade environment and a complex international order.
The summit followed Lee's earlier discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, amidst rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo due to Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. In this context, China has imposed restrictions on dual-use exports to Japan, raising concerns about rare earth minerals' supply, vital for high-tech manufacturing.
Lee and Takaichi agreed on "future-oriented cooperation" in areas such as supply chains, artificial intelligence, culture, and society. They also made progress on historical issues, deciding to conduct DNA analysis on remains found at the Chosei undersea coal mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where a 1942 flood killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced laborers.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lack noted that the Chosei coal mine issue was a priority for Takaichi during the talks. Both leaders agreed to bolster humanitarian cooperation on historical matters. The summit indicated a move towards "shuttle diplomacy" to institutionalize top-level engagement, as Seoul and Tokyo, both key U.S. allies in Asia, navigate rising regional tensions and supply chain challenges.
Despite concerns that relations might worsen under Takaichi, known for her conservative views, Lee's visit since last August has sparked cautious optimism for finding common ground and broadening economic cooperation. South Korea reaffirmed its intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, previously hindered by its seafood import ban from eight Japanese prefectures post-Fukushima disaster.
Supply chain stability was a crucial topic, with both leaders agreeing on the need for cooperation, though it remains unclear if China's export controls were discussed. Lee, amid Beijing-Tokyo tensions, emphasized finding cooperative ground in Northeast Asia with Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing.
The talks extended beyond trade, with agreements to initiate working-level consultations on AI and intellectual property rights and enhance joint responses to transnational crimes. Takaichi expressed commitment to regional stability and supply chain security, hoping Lee's visit would elevate bilateral relations.
Security coordination was a significant focus. "The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace, agreeing on close coordination on North Korea policy," Lee stated, highlighting the importance of trilateral cooperation with Washington.
The summit featured warm optics, with Lee and Takaichi exchanging gifts, playing drums to K-pop, and visiting an ancient temple in Nara, showcasing a carefully choreographed rapport.