Once a robust critic of Japan on historic points, Lee is shifting his stance as head of state, searching for cooperation with Tokyo in areas resembling hydrogen vitality and synthetic intelligence, whereas additionally coordinating positions to counter U.S. strain on tariffs and protection burden-sharing.
TOKYO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung selected Japan over the United States because the vacation spot for his first abroad journey since taking workplace aside from attending worldwide conferences, a transfer seen as a break with custom and a sign of Seoul’s intent to recalibrate ties with its neighbor earlier than talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Once a robust critic of Japan on historic points, Lee is shifting his stance as head of state, searching for cooperation with Tokyo in areas resembling hydrogen vitality and synthetic intelligence, whereas additionally coordinating positions to counter U.S. strain on tariffs and protection burden-sharing.
Despite the hotter rhetoric, analysts warned that deep-rooted historic disputes would stay a long-term impediment to steady bilateral ties.
SHIFT IN STANCE
After talks between Lee and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the 2 governments issued a joint assertion, the primary time in 17 years that the 2 international locations had launched such a doc following a leaders’ summit.
South Korea’s nationwide safety chief Wi Sung-lac mentioned the small-group discussions prolonged past the scheduled length, reflecting the big selection of points either side contemplate pressing.
Lee, who as soon as harshly criticized Japan over historic points and labeled his predecessor’s outreach to Tokyo as “humiliating diplomacy,” has softened his tone since taking workplace in June.
In a current interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, he mentioned Seoul and Tokyo should not be certain by historical past and will as an alternative develop mutually helpful cooperation. He even acknowledged the controversial 2015 settlement on the “comfort women” challenge which he had as soon as strongly opposed.
Analysts famous that as a progressive politician, Lee beforehand emphasised Japan’s wartime duty to distinguish himself from conservatives.
COUNTERING U.S. PRESSURE
Traditionally, new South Korean presidents make Washington their first abroad cease. Lee is the primary to go to Japan first for the reason that normalization of diplomatic ties between the 2 international locations.
U.S. media famous that each Seoul and Tokyo face strain from Washington, and that Lee’s go to to Tokyo helps him coordinate positions earlier than his assembly with Trump.
Toru Yoshida, a professor at Doshisha University in Japan, mentioned that if South Korea and Japan coordinate their positions prematurely, it may put some strain on the United States. Should the 2 international locations attain a consensus on financial and safety points, South Korea may achieve larger leverage in its negotiations with Washington.
Choi Eun-mi, a analysis fellow at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies, famous that Ishiba has already held talks with Trump, and listening to Ishiba’s views prematurely would assist Lee put together for his personal assembly with the U.S. president.
For Japan, internet hosting Lee’s first abroad journey was a diplomatic increase. Ishiba known as the go to “encouraging,” with analysts noting {that a} collection of profitable diplomatic occasions may strengthen his standing amid strain contained in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following election setbacks.
HISTORICAL ISSUES REMAIN
Despite the hotter tone, analysts warn that historic points stay a permanent supply of friction between South Korea and Japan. Lee himself acknowledged in interviews that historical past is essentially the most tough challenge in bilateral ties.
Zhu Jianrong, a professor at Toyo Gakuen University, mentioned Lee can not align fully with conservative forces on historical past, noting he should keep his “progressive base.”
Other consultants identified that Japan’s conservative proper has lengthy sought to downplay wartime duty. With Japan’s political local weather shifting additional to the best, prospects for real reconciliation between the 2 neighbors stay unsure.
The current rise of the far-right Sanseito in Japan’s July higher home elections underscored the pattern, with the occasion espousing sturdy revisionist views on historical past.
Keio University professor emeritus Hiroshi Onishi mentioned Japan’s xenophobic sentiment is rising, elevating doubts about whether or not Tokyo will handle South Korea’s calls for on wartime labor and “comfort women.”
Zhu added that the ruling LDP, cautious of shedding right-wing voters to Sanseito, might ship stronger nationalist indicators, probably reversing progress in historic recognition and reigniting disputes with Seoul.