Seoul: South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-Back and Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani met in Seoul on Monday for high-level discussions, marking the first official visit by a Japanese defence minister to South Korea in a decade. The meeting highlights a renewed focus on bilateral security cooperation between the two U.S. allies.
The talks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in East Asia. Last week, China held a grand military parade to commemorate the end of World War II, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts have interpreted this display as a sign of growing strategic alignment among China, North Korea, and Russia.
In response, South Korea, Japan, and the United States are preparing to conduct their annual "Freedom Edge" defence exercises starting September 15. The drills are designed to strengthen aerial, naval, and cyber capabilities in light of escalating missile and nuclear threats from North Korea. The timing of these exercises underscores the trilateral commitment to regional stability.
During his two-day visit, Minister Nakatani will also visit the Seoul National Cemetery and the Korean Navy 2nd Fleet, reflecting Japan’s respect for South Korea’s history and military heritage. The ministerial talks follow a recent summit in Tokyo between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, where both leaders agreed to enhance security and economic cooperation. However, Prime Minister Ishiba’s resignation on Sunday introduces some uncertainty regarding Japan’s future policy direction.
Experts say that the resumption of direct defence talks between South Korea and Japan represents a positive step toward strengthening trilateral collaboration with the United States. With North Korea’s ongoing provocations and China’s assertive military posture, enhanced cooperation between these allies is seen as essential for maintaining peace and stability in East Asia.
The international community will be closely watching the outcomes of these engagements and their implications for the broader regional security landscape.