Takaichi pursues conciliatory diplomacy at APEC, seeks NK summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used her first days in office to pursue an assertive, conciliatory diplomatic push at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, meeting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Oct. 30 and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Oct. 31, while pressing for a summit with North Korea over long-standing abduction cases and drawing criticism from Beijing for a separate meeting with a Taiwanese adviser.

At the Gyeongju meetings, Takaichi and Lee projected a warm rapport and emphasized cooperation on regional security and trade, extending talks well beyond their scheduled time and exchanging symbolic gifts. Both leaders framed the discussions as forward-looking and avoided public reference to historical disputes and territorial tensions, which analysts say are likely to resurface. Takaichi invited Lee to visit Japan and Lee said the two countries share domestic challenges and common interests that warrant practical cooperation, according to officials present.

Takaichi sought to allay concerns that her past positions on historical issues and prior visits to the Yasukuni Shrine would destabilize relations. Observers noted she skipped a...