Story perspectives

South Korea, Japan Boost Defense Ties Amid Rising Threats

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met in Yokosuka on Jan. 30, 2026, and agreed to conduct joint naval search-and-rescue drills and increase personnel exchanges.
They emphasized stronger trilateral cooperation with the United States amid rising security threats from China and North Korea.
Koizumi said the meeting marks a new level of defence exchanges and reflects improved ties despite historical tensions.

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Story summary

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met in Yokosuka on Jan. 30, 2026, and agreed to conduct joint naval search-and-rescue drills and increase personnel exchanges.
They emphasized stronger trilateral cooperation with the United States amid rising security threats from China and North Korea.
Koizumi said the meeting marks a new level of defence exchanges and reflects improved ties despite historical tensions.