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14m ago

Lee Hosts Japan's Ishiba in Busan, Reviving Shuttle Diplomacy

The Busan summit underscores revived shuttle diplomacy during Ishiba’s farewell visit.

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A member of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, wearing masks of U.S. President Donald Trump, protests against Trump's tariff policy on South Korea near the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. The signs read "Stop investment and Oppose alliance?" (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visits the grave of South Korean student Lee Soo-hyun at a cemetery in the southeastern port city of Busan on Sept. 30, 2025, to pay tribute to Lee, who was killed attempting to rescue a Japanese man from a subway train track in Tokyo in 2001. (Yonhap)
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Overview

  • Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba began a two-day reciprocal trip to Busan for talks with President Lee Jae Myung, the first visit by a Japanese leader to a South Korean city outside Seoul in 21 years.
  • The leaders are focusing on future-oriented cooperation, including artificial intelligence, hydrogen energy, demographic challenges and regional revitalization, according to South Korea’s national security office.
  • Trade is not on the formal agenda, but officials say the two sides are expected to compare positions on separate negotiations with the United States over tariff frameworks.
  • Japan has reached a framework with the United States that includes cutting tariffs to 15% on Japanese products including autos, while South Korea is still negotiating details after a handshake deal in August.
  • The meeting marks the pair’s third encounter since June, following a G7 sideline meeting and Lee’s August visit to Tokyo, and comes days before Japan’s ruling party selects Ishiba’s successor on October 4.