Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Visits Tokyo Ahead of US Trade Showdown
Cho's visit to Washington comes as Seoul engages in high-stakes talks over sweeping Trump-era tariffs. In July, President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Japan and South Korea unless agreements are reached by August 1.
Given the rarity of South Korean foreign ministers visiting another capital before a US trip, some observers speculate that Seoul may have sought Tokyo's advice before advancing its trade negotiations.
Japan recently struck a deal with Washington to ease its tariff burden.
On Tuesday, Iwaya welcomed Cho's decision to make Japan his first stop since assuming office. "We appreciate the close communication between the governments of Japan and South Korea, including today's meeting, since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration," Iwaya said.
"In the current strategic environment, the importance of Japan–South Korea relations and cooperation between Japan, the US, and South Korea is growing," he added. "Our two countries must work closely together on a range of issues, including those related to the Indo-Pacific region." Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho hold a 50-minute bilateral meeting in Tokyo on July 29. (©MOFA Japan)
Cho, who was sworn in just last week, said the newly minted Lee administration is committed to strengthening ties through a pragmatic foreign policy.
"The international situation is challenging," Cho said. "But I believe that by cooperating and maintaining close communication with friendly nations to co-develop strategies, we can overcome crises and turn them into opportunities."
He also relayed President Lee's push to restore shuttle diplomacy following the first summit between the two East Asian neighbors.
During the meeting, the two ministers also agreed that coordination among Japan, South Korea, and the US is essential for regional peace and stability.
Seoul's latest diplomatic engagement comes amid rising concern over the Lee administration's perceived tilt toward China.
While former President Yoon Suk-yeol had prioritized deepening ties with like-minded partners, Lee and his ruling party's seemingly pro-Beijing leanings have unsettled policymakers in Washington. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun holds his first phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on July 28, exchanging views on bilateral ties and other key issues. (©MOFA ROK)
Some experts view Cho's visit to Tokyo as a subtle signal that the new government remains committed to preserving the framework built under the previous administration.
Lee has also reportedly decided not to attend China's Victory Day ceremony in September. According to diplomatic sources, the president ultimately opted out, citing the need to prioritize the relationship with the US.
After a short interlude, Cho departed for a scheduled meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss, among other issues, Trump tariffs.
Tokyo's recent agreement with Washington, under which the US lowers tariffs on Japanese imports from 25% to 15% in exchange for Japan's long-term investment commitments and expanded access to its domestic market, has increased pressure on Seoul to secure a comparable outcome.
Trump's trade negotiators are expected to seek similar concessions, possibly using the Japan deal as a benchmark.
With that agreement now shaping expectations, Seoul faces difficult choices about what to concede and what to protect in key sectors such as agriculture, digital trade, and automobiles.
Author: Kenji Yoshida
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