"Homeland diplomacy" between South Korea and Japan

According to The Korea Herald, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on a two-day visit to South Korea on May 19 and 20, as Seoul and Tokyo strive to strengthen bilateral relations after years of tension over historical and regional security issues.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a visit to Nara Prefecture, Japan. Photo: News1

Expanding “shuttle diplomacy ”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit comes as Seoul-Tokyo relations gradually improve after a period of decline due to ongoing disputes over forced labor during Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula (1910-1945), as well as historical and territorial issues.

The South Korean presidential office did not include historical issues on the main agenda of this meeting. Instead, both sides focused more on economic cooperation, security, and regional issues in the context of a rapidly changing world.

It is noteworthy that this summit between the two countries is being held in Andong City, North Gyeongsang Province. This is where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was born and lived until elementary school. The location of the summit holds special symbolic significance as it marks the first time that the leaders of South Korea and Japan have engaged in "hometown diplomacy." Prior to this, in January, President Lee Jae Myung visited Ms. Takaichi's hometown, Nara Prefecture in Japan.

According to the South Korean Presidential Office, Ms. Takaichi's reciprocal visit to Andong represents an expansion of "shuttle diplomacy" from capital cities to local cities. "Shuttle diplomacy" between South Korea and Japan is a mechanism where the leaders of the two countries take turns visiting regularly to build trust, resolve disagreements, and promote strategic cooperation.

Discussion on energy security

According to observers, in addition to bilateral cooperation, the leaders of the two countries are expected to focus on discussing the outcomes of the US-China summit held last week in Beijing, China.

Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Women's University (South Korea) argues that the US is adjusting its regional security strategy, requiring allies to share more of the defense costs. This indicates Washington's desire to increase coordination with allies in the Indo-Pacific, especially South Korea and Japan.

Meanwhile, conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, are posing significant challenges to the energy security of both South Korea and Japan. According to the South Korean presidential office, 61% of its crude oil imports last year passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan also imported more than 95% of its crude oil from the Middle East in fiscal year 2024.

Therefore, it is highly likely that the two leaders will discuss alternative supply routes to avoid the Strait of Hormuz; maritime safety issues; and participation in international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the region. In addition, Seoul and Tokyo may also exchange views on cooperation in the energy supply chain.

International attention is focused on whether Seoul and Tokyo can bridge their differences regarding South Korea's desire to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The agreement brings together 12 economies in the Indo-Pacific region, led by Japan. Any new member requires the approval of existing members.

MINH CHAU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ngoai-giao-que-nha-giua-han-quoc-va-nhat-ban-post853123.html