Lee Jae Myung’s 2026 Pragmatic Reset: Navigating the China-Japan Rivalry
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi in Nara as part of a pragmatic reset with China and Japan amidst global trade turmoil in January 2026.
They're shaking hands, but the guard remains up. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s back-to-back visits to China and Japan suggest a bold “pragmatic approach” to reset ties as tensions soar between Beijing and Tokyo. This diplomatic maneuver marks a strategic attempt to carve out breathing room for Seoul in an increasingly polarized East Asia.
Meeting in Nara: Lee and Takaichi Address Global Turmoil
On January 13, 2026, President Lee met Japanese Prime ministerSanae Takaichi during a two-day trip to Japan. Speaking to reporters after their summit in Nara—Takaichi’s hometown—Lee described the global political landscape and trade order as being in a state of “unprecedented turmoil.”
The global trade order and political landscape are facing unprecedented turmoil. Cooperation between our nations is no longer just beneficial; it's essential for survival.
The Logic of the Pragmatic Pivot
Analysts say Lee’s strategy centers on decoupling economic necessity from geopolitical friction. By visiting China and Japan in quick succession, the administration aims to stabilize supply chains and reduce trade volatility. According to Reuters, this “pragmatic approach” is a direct response to the deepening rift between Asia's two largest economies.
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