South Korean and Japanese leaders meet to strengthen ties as China tensions simmer

South Korean President Lee visited Japan to meet with Prime Minister Takaichi. The two leaders held talks aimed at taking their countries' relationship to 'new heights' and cementing stronger cooperation, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties.

Lee stressed the importance of South Korea's ties with Japan, calling them as vital as those with China, and emphasized the need for three-way cooperation with Tokyo and Beijing. The meetings occurred amid a diplomatic dispute between Japan and China, during which China tightened export controls on Japan.