Following His Visit to China, Lee Jae-myung to Visit Japan on the 13th to Meet Takaichi; Japan–South Korea–China Relations in the Spotlight | WPN World People News

The governments of Japan and South Korea announced simultaneously on the 9th that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will travel to Nara Prefecture, the hometown of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, from the 13th to the 14th for a two-day official visit, during which talks will be held in Japan. This trip is part of the regular reciprocal “shuttle diplomacy” between Japanese and South Korean leaders, aimed at continuing the improvement of bilateral relations in recent years and strengthening coordination amid a complex regional security environment.

The Blue House stated that the talks are expected to cover regional and international issues, as well as ways to enhance cooperation in areas directly related to people’s livelihoods, including the economy, society, and culture. The South Korean side hopes that the meeting will create opportunities for humanitarian cooperation on historical issues between the two countries, and discussions may also include China’s export control measures affecting Japan. How Lee Jae-myung, who has just concluded a visit to China, will manage relations among South Korea, China, and Japan has become a focus of public attention.

Against the backdrop of continued pressure from China, the Takaichi cabinet has launched this year’s “Takaichi diplomacy.” In addition to President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visiting Japan next week, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Finance Minister Satsuki Kataoka are scheduled to visit the United States, while Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will travel to the Middle East. Amid deteriorating Japan–China relations and adjustments in U.S. diplomatic priorities, Japan is strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries through intensive diplomacy to enhance its international presence.