Balanced News: Yoon, Kishida aim for better ties; island issues may constrain

South Korea and Japan are aiming to improve their strained relations, particularly in the areas of security and technology, aligning with US President Joe Biden’s strategy to maintain influence in Asia. However, ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations, including the contested island of Dokdo, may limit the scope of their cooperation. The leaders of both countries have met multiple times this year and have expressed a desire to enhance bilateral relations, including cooperation on global challenges such as North Korea and Ukraine. Improved relations could benefit the US’s presence in the region and help contain expansionist moves by non-democratic states.