Second Full-Scale Seoul‑Tokyo Summit Held in Nara President Lee Jae Myung met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday in Nara for their second leader‑level summit since Takaichi’s October inauguration, continuing a shuttle‑diplomacy pattern that began with an APEC side meeting in Gyeongju[1]. The two‑day visit follows Lee’s earlier talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring Seoul’s effort to balance relations with both neighbors[1]. Both leaders framed the meeting as a platform to sustain momentum in improving bilateral ties after a series of reciprocal visits[2].

Agenda Spans Security, Economy, and Humanitarian Cooperation The summit produced agreements to deepen cooperation on North Korea’s denuclearization, secure supply‑chain resilience, and joint AI and economic projects, reflecting a broad cooperative agenda[1][3]. Leaders also pledged to work together on trade, regional stability, and coordinated responses to China and North Korea’s challenges[4]. Humanitarian coordination was highlighted through a joint commitment to identify remains from the 1942 Chosei undersea coal‑mine disaster using DNA analysis[1].

Regional Tensions with China Frame Bilateral Talks The talks occurred as Sino‑Japanese friction heightened, including Beijing’s restriction of rare‑earth exports after Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks[1]. Lee emphasized that ties with Japan are as vital to South Korea as its relationship with China, positioning Seoul as an intermediary in the broader rivalry[1]. U.S. pressure for increased defense spending and concerns over China’s growing influence added further strategic context to the summit’s security discussions[4].

Historical Disputes Acknowledged While Emphasizing Long-Term Partnership Both sides recognized lingering historical grievances but agreed to address them on separate tracks while advancing security and economic cooperation[1]. Officials highlighted six decades of normalized relations and set a vision to extend collaboration into the next sixty years, stressing mutual trust and people‑to‑people exchanges[2][3]. The summit’s cultural visit to Horyu Temple and the humanitarian focus on the Chosei mine underscored a forward‑looking partnership that respects shared history[4].