Both Ms. Sanae Takaichi and Mr. Lee Jae Myung have just come to power in Japan and South Korea, both have different views and policies in power compared to many predecessors in terms of both domestic and foreign affairs. Both are not much bound by the decisions of their predecessors, so it is now easy to initiate a new period of bilateral cooperation.
Both need foreign affairs achievements to consolidate their power position in the country, to show their bravery and ability to handle security and foreign affairs issues currently posed to South Korea and Japan.
South Korea and Japan were originally allies in a trilateral military alliance with the US. Ms. Sanae Takaichi and Mr. Lee Jae Myung now advocate promoting not only this strategic military alliance but also bilateral economic and trade links. That bilateral cohesion helps them respond more effectively than the US, China and North Korea.
Mr. Lee Jae Myung went to Japan almost immediately after going to China. The South Korean leader advocated resolving discord with China and pacifying with North Korea. Ms. Sanae Takaichi is currently aggressive with both China and North Korea and is preparing for a US tour to meet US President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump is still high on China and moderate with North Korea, and plans to visit China in April this year.
In such a relationship situation, Mr. Lee Jae Myung must find a way to balance South Korea's relations with the US, China and Japan; while Ms. Takaichi needs to strengthen collusion with South Korea to increase momentum in relations with China and the US as well as respond to North Korea.
Therefore, Mr. Lee Jae Myung's trip to Japan is of particular importance to both sides, easily successful in politics as well as in economy, trade, allies and partners are more connected.
