The need for improved dialogue and cooperation between Japan and South Korea is becoming increasingly urgent, with both countries having a shared aim of resolving the geopolitical and economic challenges posed by the increasingly intransigent North Korea. In order to effectively tackle those challenges, both countries have now pledged cooperation following a three-way summit with the United States.
The agreement reached at the summit, which took place on June 14th, included an aim for “strengthened cooperation” between the two countries. The move signifies a major step forward for the diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Seoul that have been strained for much of recent years.
Summary of the Summit
The summit was attended by the leaders of all three countries: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and United States President Donald Trump. The topic of discussion centered around the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
At the end of the summit, the leaders released a joint statement which outlined their agreement. In the statement, they recognized the need for improving sustainable regional cooperation and agreed to work together in order to tackle regional threats.
This was the first of its kind tripartite summit between the three countries. The Summit provided an opportunity to discuss how to stabilise the peninsula and also how to ensure a continued close alignment between the two allies Japan and South Korea.
President Trump Highlights Need for Improved Relations
During the Summit, President Trump reaffirmed the need for strong bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea. He noted that “Robust trilateral cooperation” between the US, Japan and South Korea is an essential ingredient for the security and the prosperity of the region.
President Trump also expressed his appreciation to Shinzo Abe and Moon Jae-in for committing to cooperate in key areas of security and prosperity. In particular, President Trump expressed his pleasure at the enhanced trilateral joint military exercises between the US, Japan and South Korea that are due to begin soon.
Furthermore, President Trump appreciated the statements made by Shinzo Abe and Moon Jae in support of the US’ ongoing pressure campaign against North Korea, particularly regarding its refusal to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes.
Cooperation Moving Forward
Despite the pledge of strengthened cooperation between Japan and South Korea, the two countries have recently experienced a period of strained relations.
The commitment from Prime Minister Abe and President Moon highlights the real desire from both sides to improve the situation for the benefit of both nations. Moving forward, it will be essential for both countries to focus on continuing to build trust and to strengthen the partnership – something that will greatly benefit the wider region in the long-term.
In that respect, both sides made headway at the summit towards improving the relationship by agreeing to exchange visits of high-ranking officials in the future. This is particularly important in laying the groundwork for strengthening defence cooperation and establishing trilateral security cooperation in the region.
Areas of Cooperation
Given the continued tensions in the region, both Japan and South Korea are keen to work together in order to ensure the stability and prosperity of the region in the future. The two countries have identified several areas where they can benefit from cooperation, which they outlined in the joint statement.
These include but are not limited to the following:
- Security Cooperation: Strengthening dialogue and cooperation on security for peace and stability in the region and beyond.
- Trade and Economic Cooperation: Enhancing economic and trade ties, as well as bilateral investment and direct flights for people-to-people exchanges.
- Regional Stability: Working together to promote regional stability and prevent a potential crisis or security risk in East Asia.
- North Korea: Working together to achieve the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula in a peaceful and verifiable manner.
The Japan-South Korea Summit is a significant step towards addressing the growing tension in Northeast Asia and could provide a platform for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
For the regional stability of the Northeast Asia, it is essential that the two countries to continue to work together and build mutual trust. In understanding each other’s interests and priorities, Japan and South Korea can work together towards meeting the goals of peace, security and prosperity in the 21st century.
