South Korea Japan Launch Joint Body to Address Demographic Social Challenges

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to establish a joint consultative body aimed at addressing common social challenges such as low birth rates, aging populations, and regional development, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation. Their summit in Busan, the first outside Seoul in 21 years for a Japanese prime minister, emphasized the close geographic and economic ties between the two nations, with both leaders expressing hopes for stronger emotional, economic, social, cultural, and security cooperation. This initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance regional development and bilateral relations by holding summits outside capital cities. Additionally, China, Japan, and South Korea have adopted a new joint action plan for environmental cooperation for 2026-2030, focusing on eight priority areas to strengthen trilateral collaboration on regional and global environmental challenges. These developments underscore a growing commitment among East Asian neighbors to work together on shared social and environmental issues, fostering closer regional integration.