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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Pursues Pragmatic Diplomacy Across US, China, Japan

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Lee Jae Myung Emphasizes Pragmatic Balance with Major Powers Lee Jae Myung places pragmatism at the core of South Korea’s foreign policy, aiming to reinforce the U.S. alliance while actively engaging Beijing and Tokyo. His recent trips included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi, showcasing a flexible, results‑oriented approach to regional diplomacy[1]. Experts note this marks a departure from more scripted diplomatic practices in the region[1].

Washington Monitors Seoul’s Outreach to Beijing U.S. officials closely observed Lee’s Beijing visit, questioning whether Seoul might shift closer to China. The administration stresses the need to preserve alliance cohesion while South Korea navigates China’s expanding influence[1]. Lee’s strategy seeks to manage great‑power competition without compromising South Korea’s security guarantees[1].

Tokyo Stop Occurs During Heightened China‑Japan Taiwan Tensions Lee’s stop in Tokyo drew attention as Japan and China grapple with Taiwan‑related remarks from Tokyo’s prime minister. The visit reinforced trilateral ties with the United States while maintaining engagement with Japan despite historical grievances[1]. Seoul’s objective is to keep diplomatic channels open with all three powers to advance its national interests[1].

Three‑Phase Plan Targets North Korea’s Nuclear Program Lee promotes a phased approach to North Korea’s nuclear issue: first halt weapon development, then reduce existing capabilities, and ultimately pursue denuclearization[1]. The plan aligns with his broader pragmatic diplomacy, aiming for gradual, sustained pressure while preserving regional stability[1]. Strong U.S. and Japan ties are expected to improve Seoul’s leverage with Beijing, influencing China’s diplomatic calculations[1].

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Timeline

Dec 4, 2025 – South Korea’s president Lee Jae Myung and Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi agree to hold a bilateral summit in Japan’s Nara Prefecture the following month, marking Lee’s second visit to Japan and continuing “shuttle diplomacy” that began under the previous administration; both leaders say they will pursue future‑oriented cooperation while not ignoring wartime‑history disputes [27].

Dec 10, 2025 – Diplomatic sources confirm the summit will take place around Jan 13‑14 in Nara, with Todaiji Temple cited as a possible venue; officials stress the meeting as a catalyst for deeper security and economic ties and note the ongoing Dokdo territorial dispute [26].

Jan 7, 2026 – South Korea’s ambassador to Japan, Lee Hyuk, tells reporters that the planned Nara summit “carries great significance” for the next 60 years of Korea‑Japan relations, framing the visit as a concrete step toward expanding cooperation rather than a mere photo‑op [25].

Jan 9, 2026 – Cheong Wa Dae announces Lee’s departure for Nara on Jan 13‑14, describing the talks as “shuttle diplomacy” that will cover regional, global, economic, social and cultural issues; the announcement references their previous APEC summit in Gyeongju (Oct 30) and a brief G20 encounter in Johannesburg [21][24].

Jan 10, 2026 – In Tokyo, Prime Minister Takaichi tells a delegation of South Korean lawmakers that Korea‑Japan cooperation is “more important than ever” amid a grave international situation, emphasizing the need for continued shuttle diplomacy and trilateral U.S. cooperation [20].

Jan 12, 2026 – President Lee tells NHK that Korea‑Japan ties are as vital as those with China, that Seoul will not intervene in Taiwan disputes, and that the upcoming Nara talks will address the long‑standing seafood import ban and South Korea’s CPTPP bid [17][18]; Japan’s Takaichi confirms she will host Lee in Nara for their first full summit, pledging to deepen trade and security cooperation amid China’s growing influence [2]; Lee’s security adviser Wi Sung‑lac highlights plans for AI, supply‑chain and humanitarian projects, including DNA analysis of remains from the 1942 Chosei undersea mine disaster [16].

Jan 13, 2026 – Lee and Takaichi open the two‑day Nara summit, with Lee stating that “cooperation between South Korea and Japan is more important than ever” and invoking the 60‑year post‑normalisation milestone while outlining joint work on AI, economy, culture and supply‑chain resilience [10][11][12]; Takaichi pledges closer ties to promote regional stability [10]; the leaders discuss lifting South Korea’s Fukushima‑related seafood ban as a prerequisite for joining the 12‑member CPTPP [1]; they also agree to conduct DNA testing to identify victims of the Chosei mine flood [1][6].

Jan 14, 2026 – The summit concludes with agreements to deepen security and economic cooperation, jointly pursue North Korea’s denuclearisation, secure supply chains and combat international crime, and advance DNA analysis of the Chosei mine remains [6]; Lee returns to Seoul, noting the “shuttle diplomacy” framework and reaffirming commitments to denuclearisation and CPTPP negotiations [7][8].

Jan 15, 2026 – Back at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee urges bipartisan domestic support for diplomacy, stressing that pragmatic, balanced ties with both China and Japan are essential to protect South Korea’s interests amid an uncertain international order [5].

Jan 16, 2026 – In a meeting with former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso, Lee emphasizes that Seoul and Tokyo must build “mutually beneficial” relations, likening the two nations to neighbors sharing a front yard and pledging reciprocal leader‑level visits as part of shuttle diplomacy [4].

Jan 23, 2026 – Analysts describe Lee’s overall foreign‑policy approach as pragmatic diplomacy that simultaneously strengthens the U.S. alliance while keeping Beijing and Tokyo engaged, highlighting his recent visits to Beijing and Tokyo, a three‑phase North‑Korea denuclearisation plan, and the strategic advantage of robust U.S.–Japan ties for Seoul’s leverage with China [3].

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