Link to article: https://www.voanews.com/a/japan-foreign-minister-to-visit-s-korea-to-shore-up-security-cooperation/7934548.html
For the first time in 7 years, Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya will travel to South Korea to discuss security among East Asian neighbors and the US in an attempt to combat China’s increasing power within the region. In addition to meeting with their foreign minister, Iwaya will also meet with the Acting President of South Korea, Choi Sang-Mok, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Strengthening cooperation between Japan, South Korea, and the United States may be more difficult as a result of the impeachment of Yoon as well as the election of a second Trump administration. A three-way security cooperation pact was formed in 2023 by President Biden, Yoon, and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, all of whom are no longer in power. Following his visit to South Korea, Iwaya will travel to the Philippines to discuss cooperation in terms of security and economics, as well as Palau to attend the second inauguration of President Surangel Whipp.
This article is critical in highlighting the relations between Japan and South Korea, particularly how they are evolving since this is the first time in 7 years that a Japanese foreign minister will visit South Korea. Additionally, this speaks to the increasingly powerful role China has been gaining, both among countries in East Asia and internationally with countries such as the United States. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that foreign ministers from Japan and South Korea decided to meet just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, as this change in power may hinder the ability of the three countries to cooperate.
This visit is relatively passive, so there will be no aggressive outcome from either country. However, if the foreign ministers meet and determine that China poses a dangerous threat to their both countries, it may be necessary for the Japanese and South Korean governments to collaborate together and work towards a solution to counter China’s increasing power. Additionally, since the United States is meant to be a topic of discussion during the visit, Takeshi Iwaya may choose to contact Donald Trump once he is inaugurated to inform him of the concerns the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers discussed concerning China’s rise in power.
Naturally, this visit between Japan and South Korea’s foreign ministers connects to the topic of national security, or a state’s need to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Since South Korea and Japan are in very close proximity to China, all 3 countries being located in East Asia, it makes sense that the South Korean and Japanese governments would notice that China’s power has been growing and express concerns. Additionally, since a 3-way cooperation pact was formed in 2023 by the leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea, it is safe to assume that these three countries are determined to collaborate when it comes to protecting national security and sovereignty against potential threats such as China.