South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to discuss energy security and supply chain cooperation as key agenda items during their summit in Andong, South Korea, on May 19. Amid growing concerns over oil and petroleum product supply disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the two leaders are reportedly considering measures for mutual supply of aviation fuel and other petroleum products in emergencies. To facilitate this, both governments and energy sectors are working on establishing a consultative body and coordinating the creation of a new dialogue on industrial and trade policies between the two nations.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the two governments are finalizing a joint document to be announced during the summit, which will outline cooperation on energy security. This document is likely to be released in the form of a "joint press release," focusing on strategies to enhance energy security and supply chain resilience.
The Yomiuri Shimbun noted that since both countries rely heavily on the Middle East for crude oil imports, they are discussing plans to supply each other with oil and aviation fuel during crises. This initiative aims to establish a preemptive supply cooperation system.
The report also highlighted that approximately 10% of South Korea's fuel oil exports go to Japan, leading to discussions on avoiding unnecessary export restrictions during emergencies. A Japanese government official stated, "It is important to avoid unnecessary export regulations even in crisis situations," according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.
Cooperation in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector is also expected to be included in the joint document. Japan is the world's second-largest LNG importer, while South Korea ranks third. The two countries plan to discuss measures for supply chain stability and volume support during emergencies, addressing concerns over rising prices and transportation route uncertainties due to prolonged tensions in the Middle East.
Additionally, the Nikkei reported that the two leaders are likely to agree on establishing a cooperative framework for crude oil procurement and stockpiling. There are also discussions about utilizing Japan's recently proposed $10 billion energy financing initiative, "Power Asia," to support energy security in Southeast Asian countries, aiming to stabilize regional supply chains and enhance the presence of both nations.
New government channels will also be established to further specify energy cooperation plans. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that a new "industrial and trade policy dialogue" involving senior officials from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is set to be created. This dialogue is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including petroleum products, LNG, crude oil procurement, transportation, and supply chain enhancement.
In addition to energy issues, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on U.S.-China relations and the security environment in East Asia. The Nikkei reported that they are likely to share insights from the recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held on May 14-15 in Beijing. Following the U.S.-China summit, both leaders had phone calls with President Trump to discuss the meeting's outcomes. Concerns have been raised that the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East could weaken U.S. engagement in Asia, and the implications of U.S.-China rapprochement on East Asian security are also seen as a backdrop for South Korea-Japan cooperation.
However, there remain differences in defense cooperation. The Asahi Shimbun reported that during the first South Korea-Japan diplomatic and defense vice-ministerial meeting, known as the 2+2 meeting, held on May 7, Japan proposed signing a reciprocal logistics support agreement (ACSA) to facilitate fuel and supplies between the Self-Defense Forces and the South Korean military. However, South Korea expressed reservations, citing historical experiences of colonial rule that have led to significant domestic opposition to expanding cooperation with Japan's Self-Defense Forces.
On the other hand, some defense exchanges are being restored. The Asahi reported that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the South Korean Navy are set to resume joint search and rescue exercises (SAREX) in early June for the first time since 2017. This development is seen in Japan as a sign of recovery in South Korea-Japan defense cooperation, which had cooled due to radar targeting issues in 2018.
The upcoming summit appears to focus more on broadening practical cooperation in energy, supply chains, and security rather than resolving major issues in one fell swoop. As tensions in the Middle East and the potential for U.S.-China rapprochement grow, both South Korea and Japan are moving to manage the remaining differences in historical issues and security cooperation while expanding a framework centered on practical collaboration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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