Seoul braces for ‘Trump risk’ in crucial summits with US, Japan

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung faces an early foreign policy trial just two months into office, with back-to-back summits in Tokyo and Washington testing his ability to steer the country’s international relations.

President Lee, who took office in May, has already made it clear that he intends to prioritize diplomacy and strengthen South Korea’s relationships with its key allies and neighbors. However, his first major diplomatic test comes at a crucial time, as tensions in the region continue to simmer and global dynamics shift.

The first summit on President Lee’s agenda is with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo. This meeting is particularly significant as it marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since President Lee took office. The relationship between South Korea and Japan has been strained in recent years, with historical and territorial disputes causing a rift between the two countries. However, President Lee has expressed his willingness to improve ties with Japan and find a way to move forward.

The summit is expected to focus on issues such as trade, security, and historical grievances. President Lee has stated that he hopes to build a “future-oriented” relationship with Japan, one that is based on mutual trust and cooperation. This is a positive and encouraging approach, and it is hoped that the meeting will pave the way for improved relations between the two countries.

Following the summit in Tokyo, President Lee will travel to Washington for a meeting with US President Joe Biden. This will be President Lee’s first in-person meeting with President Biden since he took office, and it is an opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm the strong alliance between South Korea and the United States.

The meeting is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including North Korea’s nuclear program, regional security, and economic cooperation. President Lee has already shown his commitment to working closely with the US, stating that he will “closely coordinate” with the Biden administration on North Korea’s denuclearization and other regional issues.

President Lee’s approach to foreign policy has been praised by many, with his emphasis on diplomacy and cooperation being seen as a positive step towards building stronger relationships with key players in the region. His willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground is a refreshing change from the previous administration’s more confrontational approach.

The back-to-back summits in Tokyo and Washington will be a true test of President Lee’s diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex international relations. However, his early efforts to improve ties with Japan and strengthen the alliance with the US have already shown promising results.

In addition to these summits, President Lee has also been actively engaging with other countries in the region, including China and North Korea. He has expressed his desire to improve relations with both countries and has already taken steps towards this goal. This proactive approach to diplomacy is a positive sign for South Korea’s role in the region and its ability to play a key role in promoting peace and stability.

President Lee’s early foreign policy trials have shown his commitment to building strong and cooperative relationships with South Korea’s allies and neighbors. His approach has been met with optimism and support from both domestic and international communities. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of international relations, it is clear that President Lee’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping South Korea’s future on the global stage.