Japan and South Korea upgrade defence pact to counter China and North Korea

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by KyodoJanuary 30, 2026 at 01:41 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Japan and South Korea have agreed to enhance their defense cooperation through increased personnel exchanges and annual reciprocal visits between their forces. The agreement, reached during a meeting between Defence Ministers Shinjiro Koizumi and Ahn Gyu Back in Yokosuka, Japan, marks a new level of defense collaboration between the two nations. The ministers also emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States. This strengthened alliance aims to address growing regional security threats, primarily from China and North Korea. Concerns include China's stance on Taiwan and North Korea's ongoing missile development and military cooperation with Russia.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tokyo 40% Russia 50% Yokosuka ×260% Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) 60% United States ×270% Ahn Gyu Back 70% Taiwan ×270% North Korea ×280% China ×280% Shinjiro Koizumi ×380% South Korea ×390% Japan ×290%

Keywords

defence pact 90% japan 80% south korea 80% china 70% regional security 70% north korea 70% personnel exchanges 60% trilateral cooperation 50% security threats 50% taiwan 40%