Takaichi Meets South Korea President at APEC

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC leaders’ meetings in Gyeongju, where both leaders stressed “future‑oriented” ties and renewed shuttle diplomacy to deepen cooperation on trade, investment and challenges such as AI and demographic change. Takaichi—often viewed as conservative and hawkish on historical and China-related issues—sought to reassure Seoul by avoiding a Yasukuni visit, expressing personal goodwill toward Korean culture, and committing to frequent reciprocal visits to strengthen communication. The talks occurred amid broader APEC activity, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s engagements and Takaichi’s planned meetings with other regional leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping. Analysts say Takaichi’s early outreach and apparent rapport with the U.S. may ease bilateral frictions and is being watched by markets; the Bank of Japan is expected to remain cautious on policy though some see a possible December rate move as political risks evolve. Commentators have also interpreted Tokyo’s early posture—including public gestures of alignment with Trump—as signaling a more assertive stance toward Beijing that could shape security and economic dynamics in Northeast Asia.