Korea, Japan Draw Closer Amid US 'America First' Policy Shift

The recent summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in Andong underscores a significant shift in regional dynamics, driven in no small part by the unpredictable foreign policy of the United States under former President Donald Trump. Asahi Shimbun notes the "strategic interdependence" highlighted by the leaders, suggesting a mutual recognition that in an increasingly volatile international landscape, particularly with the US seemingly disengaging from Asian security, closer ties are not just beneficial but essential.

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Prime Minister Takaichi received state guest treatment in Andong, President Lee's hometown, strongly highlighting the close Korea-Japan relationship.

This burgeoning partnership, characterized by frequent 'shuttle diplomacy' between the leaders' hometowns, is yielding tangible results. Agreements on strengthening supply chains and expanding cooperation in crucial energy sectors like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil demonstrate a pragmatic approach to shared challenges. The elevation of the security policy consultative body to vice-ministerial level and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on combating transnational scam crimes between the two nations' police agencies further signal a deepening security alignment.

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The leaders of Korea and Japan are steadily building a relationship of trust with the judgment that 'strategic solidarity is essential' amidst the upheaval of international affairs.

From a Korean perspective, as reported by Hankyoreh, this rapprochement is viewed through the lens of "pragmatic diplomacy." President Lee's government is leveraging this opportunity to build a stable relationship with Japan, a move that resonates positively with a segment of the Korean public, as indicated by favorable poll results for Prime Minister Takaichi. The article points out that while historical and territorial issues remain sensitive, the current focus on economic cooperation allows both nations to maintain a positive relationship without delving into contentious areas. However, the report also cautions that building the deep trust necessary to tackle more complex issues, such as a potential Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), remains a significant hurdle.

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The existence of President Trump is behind the increasing frequency of meetings between President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi.

The narrative that Trump's "America First" policy has created a power vacuum in Asia, compelling Seoul and Tokyo to draw closer, is a recurring theme. The Nikkei's observation that the increased frequency of meetings between President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi is influenced by Trump's presence highlights a strategic calculation by both nations to fill the void left by a potentially less engaged United States. This is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have drawn US military assets away from the region, further amplifying concerns in both South Korea and Japan.

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The Lee Jae-myung administration, which is pursuing 'pragmatic diplomacy,' is maintaining a friendly relationship with Japan as a symbolic case.