The Hamilton Spectator

Japan, South Korea renew ties amid concerns over China, North Korea

Meetings between leaders have been on hold for over a decade

- MARI YAMAGUCHI

Japan and South Korea agreed to resume regular visits between their leaders and take steps to resolve a trade dispute during a highly anticipate­d summit Thursday, in what Japan’s prime minister called a “big step” to rebuilding the two nations’ security and economic ties as they try to overcome a century of difficult history.

The summit could revise the strategic map of northeast Asia. The two United States allies, who have long often been at odds over their history, are seeking to form a united front, driven by shared concerns about a restive North Korea and a more powerful China.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol both stressed the importance of improved ties as they opened Thursday’s summit, hours after a North Korean missile launch and encounters between Japanese and Chinese vessels in disputed waters.

In his opening remarks, Kishida said that the meeting will mark the resumption of regular visits between the leaders, which have been on hold for more than a decade.

He told a joint news conference that the countries had agreed to resume defence dialogue and viceminist­erial strategic talks, while also restarting a process of trilateral communicat­ion among Japan, South Korea and China.

“Cherry blossoms just started blooming in Tokyo this week, and after a long winter season, in terms of our bilateral relations, Japan is now able to welcome the president of South Korea for the first time in 12 years,” Kishida said.

Yoon said Thursday’s meeting “has special significan­ce as it shows the people of both countries that South Korea-Japan relations are off to a new beginning after being plagued by various issues.”

He added that the two countries that share same democratic values “are partners that must co-operate on security, economic issues and global agendas.”

“The ever-escalating threat of North Korea’s nuclear missile program poses a huge threat to peace and stability not only in East Asia but also to the (broader) internatio­nal community,” Yoon said. “South Korea and Japan need to work closely together and in solidarity to wisely counter the threat.”

“South Korea’s interests are not zero-sum with Japan’s interests,” Yoon said.

Better bilateral relations would “greatly help both countries deal with their security crises.”

The two leaders agreed to increase co-operation in areas such as security, economy, and people to people exchanges, Yoon said.

Washington appears to have worked intensivel­y to bring about the summit. U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said his country and its two allies had about 40 trilateral meetings and he thinks co-operation in the process helped to build up trust.

‘‘ South Korea and Japan need to work closely together and in solidarity to wisely counter the (North Korean missile) threat.

YOON SUK YEOL SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT

 ?? KIYOSHI OTA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, attend a joint news conference.
KIYOSHI OTA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, attend a joint news conference.

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